Gain a deep understanding of Latin
Enhance your understanding of Roman culture by reading, translating and interpreting its texts in the original Latin. You’ll study the language at an advanced level, helping you gain insights you can only acquire from reading the original.
Develop a deeper understanding of one of the classical cultures that underpin the modern world—our political and legal systems, our philosophical and social thought, and the myths and stories you see on the page, stage and screen.
Studying in the School of Languages and Cultures, you'll learn from award-winning staff. You'll join a welcoming programme that encourages many students to continue their postgraduate study. And you'll enjoy the benefits of a lively research environment with links to key overseas researchers and institutions in the world of classics.
Choose your study path
You can focus on coursework or develop research skills, depending on the qualification you choose.
When you study Latin for an Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy, you’ll receive the degree in Classics rather than Classical Studies, to indicate your proficiency in the Latin language.
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
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Latin at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Visit our Classics Museum—Te Whare Taonga o te Puāwaitanga
The Classics Museum is a collection of antiquities—mostly Greek and Roman—including terracotta vases and other objects used in daily life, including a sizeable collection of coins.
Objects from the collection are brought out of the cases for you to learn, and the Curator often hosts visits from school groups and other learners. The Museum is also equipped as a teaching space, and many Classics undergraduate tutorials and Honours seminars are held there.
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 Latin equips you with a good grasp of both language and writing, which are useful skills in many careers.
Government ministries employ graduates in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, research, or advisory roles. You may also work as business coordinators, logistics coordinators, web content writers, journalists, marketing assistants, programme coordinators, customer service managers, parliamentary researchers, or university administrators.
Postgraduate study in Latin, Greek and Classical Studies can also be a step towards an academic career.
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.
Other scholarships
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 Latin
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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 Latin
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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
Diana Burton
Associate Professor
Hamish Cameron
Senior Lecturer in Classics
Ziming Liu
Lecturer in Classics
Simon Perris
Associate Professor
Babette Puetz
Senior Lecturer
Jeff Tatum
Professor of Classics
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.