Advance art and science collaboration in a time of environmental change

Tackling the big environmental challenges of our time will take more than scientific expertise—we also need to consider the human dimension.

Become skilled in using the lens of the arts and humanities to better understand our relationships with the planet. Study literature, art, philosophy, film, media, and history, to explore how cultural beliefs shape our interactions with nature.

Gain a holistic understanding of today’s complex environmental issues, and master how to respond critically and imaginatively to these issues.

Can art help us to see the bigger picture?

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Choose your study path

There are several ways that you can take Postgraduate Environmental Humanities with us.

Postgraduate study pathways

Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.

When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.

Focus on coursework

  • Graduate Certificate in Arts

  • Graduate Diploma in Arts

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Arts

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

  • Master of Arts (by coursework)

Focus on research

  • Bachelor of Arts with Honours

  • Master of Arts (by thesis)

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Qualification support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Environmental Humanities at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Tiwhikete, Mahi Toi

Graduate Certificate in Arts—GCertArts

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Refresh your expertise or explore a new subject area while building skills for postgraduate study and career development.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu, Mahi Toi

Graduate Diploma in Arts—GDipArts

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Learn about humanities and social sciences while gaining new skills. Prepare for postgraduate study or enhance your career prospects.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tiwhikete, Tohu Paerunga, Mahi Toi

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Explore your area of interest in more detail with advanced learning and research by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime

We don't have dates for this programme, yet. Check again soon.

Tohu Paerunga Mahi Toi

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts—PGDipArts

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Explore your area of interest in more detail with advanced learning and research by studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paetahi (Hōnore)

Bachelor of Arts with Honours—BA(Hons)

POSTGRADUATEBACHELOR’S DEGREE WITH HONOURS
Build on what you studied in your undergraduate degree. Deepen your knowledge through advanced learning and research.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research project · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerua Mahi Toi

Master of Arts—MA

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Dive deep into original research, contribute to the world's knowledge, and become a leader in your field.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120 or 180
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Kairangi

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORATE
Study for a PhD to complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro, and Miramar Creative Centre campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Why Wellington

Study in Wellington, the political and cultural heart of New Zealand. The unique geography of Wellington—and our proximity to the Botanic Gardens, Te Papa, and the south coast—means that we spend time outside the classroom, exploring the environment and journalling our experiences. 

Future careers

Postgraduate Environmental Humanities can open up a range of career opportunities. You might find a role in:

  • the creative industries and media
  • policy and research
  • communications and advocacy
  • the museum and gallery sector.

    More career information

    Find out more about careers.

    The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

    Scholarships

    You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

    We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

    We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

    Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Worth: $7,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).

    • Worth: $7,500 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...

    • Worth: $25,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History (the "scholarship") was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.

    Scholarships for international students

    We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.

    Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

    Other scholarships

    We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

    We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

    Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Worth: $7,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).

    • Worth: $7,500 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...

    • Worth: $25,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History (the "scholarship") was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.

    Join our postgraduate community

    The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    Postgraduate Students’ Association

    MAI ki Pōneke

    MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.

    Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

    Academic staff research areas

    Susan Ballard

    Professor

    Get help to manage your finances

    We can help you:

    • budget your money
    • manage your student loan or allowance
    • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

    If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.

    You may be eligible for government or community support, too.

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    Apply for a New Zealand study visa

    You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.

    You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.

    Discover your career pathway with Tahatū