Gain expertise in how our physical environment is shaped by natural processes
Our physical environment is constantly changing and being shaped by natural processes of the atmosphere, oceans, and the Earth. Physical Geography is the study of these processes—the ways they have formed the Earth's surface, how they interact with one another, and the way that humans interact with them.
At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you can study Physical Geography with the Master of Science by thesis or for a PhD. You'll deepen your knowledge of the Earth's processes through work in the field and the laboratory, and gain highly developed communication skills.
Build your research skills alongside dedicated researchers, internationally recognised for their work in the fields of geography and earth sciences. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with members of the wider Wellington geoscience community.
What Physical Geography teaches you
As a Master's or PhD student, you’ll carry out independent research in the area of Physical Geography you want to specialise in. The core areas of Physical Geography at Victoria University of Wellington are:
- geomorphology
- climatology
- hydrology
- glaciology
- environmental change.
Choose your study path
You can study Postgraduate Physical Geography through our research degrees:
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
You'll need to have completed previous study at 400-level in either Geography, Geology, or Environmental Science.
Contact us to discuss which pathway might suit you.
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 Physical Geography at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Globally ranked
Our Geography subjects are ranked in the top 150 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
With your expertise and knowledge of New Zealand’s physical landscape and resources, you’ll be highly employable. You could find work with:
- a Public Research Organisation
- local, regional, or central government
- a private environmental consultancy like Opus, or Tonkin and Taylor.
More career information
Find out more about careers in physical geography.
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 Physical Geography
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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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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.
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 Physical Geography
-
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.
-
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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This scholarship is intended to assist with costs associated with pursuing a Master’s research degree in any research topic related to New Zealand/Aotearoa.
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
Research a topic specific to New Zealand
Work on issues specific to New Zealand’s resource management concerns, such as:
- glacier retreat and water resources
- river and floodplain dynamics
- coastal erosion and sea-level rise
- landslide and slope instability
- extreme weather events and climate change.
Research networks
Broaden your networks, share research, and stay connected with the latest developments your field by engaging with the following national specialist groups:
- Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group (ANZGG)
- New Zealand Snow and Ice Research Group (SIRG)
- New Zealand Hydrological Society (NZHS)
- New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS)
- Geoscience Society of New Zealand
- New Zealand Antarctic Society
Antarctic Research Centre
Depending on what you study, you could work with the University’s Te Puna Pātiotio—Antarctic Research Centre. The centre is internationally renowned for innovative research on some of the world’s biggest environmental and climatic changes.
Academic staff research areas
Kyle Clem
Senior Lecturer in Climate Science
Shaun Eaves
Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography
Jamie Howarth
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.