Learn how political power works
Develop a detailed, nuanced understanding of power and its consequences. Postgraduate Political Science gives you the theoretical foundation and analytical expertise to analyse complex political issues and how they affect people’s lives.
You’ll examine in detail the complex relationships between countries and other global actors, and broaden and deepen your knowledge of the forces shaping political events.
Our postgraduate qualifications are designed to help you change careers or stand out in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills that complement your specialised skills in other fields and that expand your career options, including for further study.
Choose your study path
Choose which Postgraduate Political Science qualification best suits you according to your career goals, time commitments and eligibility.
We offer two distinct pathways in Postgraduate Political Science—coursework or research focused.
Coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science
- Master of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Master of Political Science.
Research
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy
Our coursework Postgraduate Political Science qualifications
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—they allow movement in both directions. If you begin by enrolling in the Diploma, you may be able to continue on to complete a Master's degree. Or if you enrol in the Master's but can't complete it for some reason, you may have completed enough courses to graduate with the Diploma.
Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science
Longer than a Certificate, a Diploma allows you to do more in-depth study.
If you study full time, you'll complete the 120-point Diploma over three trimesters, which is one year. If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and can complete your Diploma in up to one years.
Master of Political Science
This provides the most comprehensive study as it includes coursework and a research dissertation. The degree is delivered over three trimesters, which is one year.
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete the Master’s in up to three years.
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 Political Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
As New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is the seat of power. That makes it perhaps the best place in the country to study politics.
Here you can visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, attend Question Time, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making. The University's Wellington location and strong ties with the public sector make it easier to build networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies.
You’ll have the chance to listen to guest lectures from leaders in the public service, policy professionals, and government ministers.
Globally ranked
Our Political Science and International Relations 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
Our Postgraduate Political Science qualifications give you extra skills to excel in your current role, or prepare you for the next stage in your career. The Master’s-level qualifications, in particular, are good preparation for senior policy and research roles that require detailed analysis.
For example, you might find these roles in:
- a range of government fields—like customs, defence, police, and intelligence
- international business and trade
- international development and aid
- teaching and research
- media.
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 Political Science
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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 in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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The L G Peacocke Scholarship is designed to support students intending to embark upon an Honours degree or a Masters degree in the disciplines of Politics, International Relations, Strategic Studies, Public Policy, or Economics.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...
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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.
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 areas
Our Political Science and International Relations academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.