Build a better future by understanding Aotearoa New Zealand’s past
Join a postgraduate programme that combines a lively culture with access to the best archives in New Zealand. Postgraduate New Zealand Studies looks at themes that span the literary, oral, and written histories of Aotearoa.
Gain a deeper understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history and join our vibrant postgraduate community. Become part of a lively research unit and take part in regular seminar series and opportunities to attend international conferences.
If you want to enhance your research, analytical and communication skills—while contributing to the understanding of Aotearoa and its people—then Postgraduate New Zealand Studies is right for you.
Immerse yourself in a rich, scholarly community
You’ll be based at our Stout Centre for New Zealand Studies, a stand-alone cottage on Wai-te-ata Road with a supportive and collaborative environment for postgraduate students.
We host regular seminars with academics from across the motu who examine topics in Postgraduate New Zealand Studies. We’re home to the JD Stout Fellowship and host visiting scholars from overseas.
Choose your study path
Postgraduate New Zealand Studies is open to students who want to study the Master of Arts (thesis) or the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You’ll complete a thesis on the topic of your choice, that might range from Crown-Māori relations in a certain period, to the development of policing, to a micro-history of a specific event.
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 New Zealand Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
The Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies was established in 1984 to encourage interdisciplinary, innovative research approaches in New Zealand history, society, and culture. We have close relationships with many national and regional cultural organisations.
The Centre is home to our Postgraduate Museum and Heritage Studies programme as well as five research projects dedicated to Aotearoa New Zealand history:
Beyond Museum Cases: Māori Practice as Cultural Pedagogy
Security and Surveillance Project
The Missing Link: New Zealand European/Pākehā family memory
Transnational Identity under Observation
Treaty of Waitangi Research.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of national decisions around commemorating, remembering, and reflecting on the past. Our city also hosts Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important cultural and historical records, which you can access as part of your research. Here, you’ll find:
Manatū Toanga | 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 students develop skills in research and project management. Postgraduate New Zealand Studies also equips you with skills in:
- critical analysis
- research
- interpretation
- high standards of written communication.
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 New Zealand Studies
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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
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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 Postgraduate New Zealand Studies
-
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
-
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.
Industry connections
The Stout Research Centre has industry connections and partnerships with Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest cultural institutions:
- Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
- Te Papa Tongarewa | Museum of New Zealand
- Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library
- Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga | Archives New Zealand
Our staff are members of many national and local organisations shaping New Zealand history study, scholarship, and practice:
- Association of Social Anthropologists of Aotearoa/New Zealand
- New Zealand Historical Association
- New Zealand History Federation
- Professional Historians’ Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa
- Te Kete Kōrero-a-Waha o Te Motu | National Oral History Association of New Zealand
- Te Tari o Ngā Whare Taonga o Te Motu | Museums Aotearoa
- Wellington Historical and Early Settlers' Association
We also have connections with international organisations working to preserve cultural heritage:
- International Council of Museums
- Memory Studies Association
- National School of Conservation, Restoration and Museography—Mexico
- UNESCO
Academic staff research areas
Brigitte Bonisch-Brednich
Council Member
Lee Davidson
Associate Professor
Conal McCarthy
Professor of Museum and Heritage Studies
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.