Build a better future by mastering the past
Gain a deeper understanding of history and join the vibrant postgraduate History community at Victoria University of Wellington. You’ll get the benefit of facilities, support, and networks designed to produce world-class research and researchers.
Collaborating with your fellow historians in the History workrooms, you’ll get to share feedback, advice, and insights into using the unique historical archives available in Wellington. This trove of research sources includes the Alexander Turnbull Library, the National Library, Te Papa Tongarewa, the Waitangi Tribunal, and Archives New Zealand.
Together, you’ll get to organise and present to the annual New Historians' Conference. Bringing together local, regional, and national researchers, the conference is a chance to build the professional connections that can kick-start your career.
Choose your study path
There are different ways you can study Postgraduate History 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
Museum and Heritage Studies
Develop your research and professional skills, and learn about topics including museum history, theory and practice. Get deep insights into the history, theory, and contemporary practice of heritage, tourism, and leisure.
We offer a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Museum and Heritage Practice.
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 History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of scholarship and study—we’ve been teaching History since our inception in 1899.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of national decisions around commemorating, remembering, and reflecting on the past. We are the place where hīkoi end.
Our city also hosts Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important cultural and historical records. Here, you’ll find:
Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Te Papa Tongarewa | Museum of New Zealand
Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library
Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi | Waitangi Tribunal
Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga | Archives New Zealand
Te Tari Whakatau | Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana.
Globally ranked
Our History subjects are ranked in the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
Postgraduate History builds your abilities in communication, cultural awareness, and analytical thinking—skills that are valued in every field.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems and influences, make graduates valuable across many different industries, including:
- government—agencies employ graduates as researchers and in other roles that make the most of their history expertise, including policy and stakeholder relations
- private archives—long-standing organisations and charities with collections employ people with expertise in archiving, organising, and managing historical documents and artefacts
- communications—work in organisational, social, or political communication roles that make the most of your writing skills
- events—New Zealand’s commemorative calendar requires the expertise of historians and researchers.
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 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 History
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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This Scholarship was established through the Victoria University Foundation in 1994 by the Wellington Historical and Early Settlers' Association Inc in memory of its then President, the Rt Reverend James E Worsfold
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Applicants must be currently studying in an MA or PhD at Victoria University of Wellington. Preference will be given to a student whose academic focus lies in one of Don McKenzie's special interest areas such as: bibliography and the history of the book
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 History
-
This Scholarship was established through the Victoria University Foundation in 1994 by the Wellington Historical and Early Settlers' Association Inc in memory of its then President, the Rt Reverend James E Worsfold
-
Applicants must be currently studying in an MA or PhD at Victoria University of Wellington. Preference will be given to a student whose academic focus lies in one of Don McKenzie's special interest areas such as: bibliography and the history of the book
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.
Academic staff research areas
Catherine Abou-Nemeh
Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History
Steve Behrendt
Associate Professor
Kate Hunter
Professor
Giacomo Lichtner
Professor
Arini Loader
Associate Dean Maori
Cybele Locke
Senior Lecturer
Alexander Maxwell
Associate Professor
Jim McAloon
Professor of History
Adrian Muckle
Associate 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.
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.