Learn the science and drive change
Help prepare New Zealand and the South Pacific for future natural hazards with this specialised postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate study in Natural Hazards Policy and Science combines science with economics, policy, and planning. You’ll learn the science behind natural hazards, the policies that shape responses, and how you can influence change.
Our proximity to government will help you build strong skills in analysis and leadership for the natural hazard sector.
Choose your study path
We offer three postgraduate qualifications in Natural Hazard Science and Policy. These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
- The Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy is the most comprehensive option. It includes eight courses and your choice of an internship or research project.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy has in-depth study over eight courses.
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Natural Hazard Science and Policy is an opportunity for specialised professional development and can be a step towards higher study. It includes four courses.
There's also the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You’ll carry out original and sustained research, mentored by an academic supervisor.
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 Natural Hazard Science and Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
You’ll be well prepared to take on leadership roles in:
- regional and national organisations tasked with geohazards monitoring and natural hazard management
- public- and private-sector agencies conducting hazard assessments across a broad suite of natural hazards
- policy development and planning within local, regional, and national government agencies.
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 Science
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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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.
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 Science
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The purpose of this scholarship is to assist female students in the area of Mathematical Sciences or Geosciences to complete their M.Sc. or PhD thesis, by helping to extend enrolment in the final months of writing up their thesis.
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The scholarship is open to students at the Masters by Thesis or PhD level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with their research focusing on a long-term seismogenesis and long-range earthquake forecasting.
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The scholarship is intended to support students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology (with preference given to Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience applicants).
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
Jamie Howarth
Professor
John Townend
Professor of Geophysics
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.