Develop your environmental expertise
Come from a background in science, commerce, or arts and study the theory and practice of environmental studies. Whether you’re continuing from Bachelor’s study, looking to change to a new area of focus, or working towards a career, there are a range of postgraduate qualifications in Environmental Studies that might suit you.
Understand the underlying causes of environmental problems and develop solutions. Learn about social, cultural, and economic perspectives on the environment. Explore human-nature connections, and how healthy environments and communities are made.
Study a range of topics, from climate justice and sustainability to Māori conservation and environmentalism. Explore how social influence can drive pro-environmental behaviour change. Graduate ready to tackle complex environmental challenges and lead sustainable change.
Choose your study path
There are several ways thar you can take Postgraduate Environmental Studies with us. 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 Science
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies
Coursework and research
- Master of Environmental Studies
Focus on research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Flexible study options
Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints, and financial situation.
Our Master's, Postgraduate Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies are ‘staircased’. If you start with the Diploma or Certificate and want to continue studying after you finish, your completed courses can count towards a higher qualification.
Or, if you enrol in the Master’s but choose not to finish it, you may have completed enough courses to be awarded a Diploma or Certificate.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Environmental Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
Future careers
The type of careers you could have also depend on which degree you choose and the level of study you complete.
Postgraduate Environmental Studies students can work in jobs relating to sustainability, communities, and the environment.
More career information
Find out more about roles and careers relating to Environmental Studies, where graduates work, and how to build relevant skills or career connections in your specific area.
The government careers website, Tahatū, has more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We 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 postgraduate Environmental Studies
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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 postgraduate Environmental Studies
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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.
Research an area that interests you
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
As part of your postgraduate study, you could conduct research with the support of a supervisor. You’ll learn from and work with highly qualified academic staff and professional researchers who undertake internationally recognised work.
Academic staff research areas
Our Environmental Studies lecturers are passionate about teaching and research. We work to support our students to develop the skills needed to make a difference. We bring our research and community connections into our teaching.
Wokje Abrahamse
Associate Professor
Brendon Blue
Senior Lecturer
Amanda Thomas
Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies
Billy van Uitregt
Senior Lecturer
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.
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.