Become a policy insider
Build on your existing experience—or take your undergraduate study to the next level—by expanding your practical policy analysis toolkit. In postgraduate Public Policy, you’ll develop your ability to advise decision-makers in business, government, and nonprofits on public policy and regulation.
Choose from a flexible set of related professional programmes that you can study while you work.
Take advantage of the close links that New Zealand’s only School of Government has with the people making policy. Build networks and benefit from the expertise of experienced policy professionals.
Choose your study path
Each of our postgraduate qualifications in Public Policy has a different duration, and all of them can be studied while you work. Choose the qualification that matches your availability and career goals.
Develop your career in Public Policy
The following qualifications explore Public Policy topics at a postgraduate level, building on your work experience in the public sector:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy (60 points)—develops essential skills and core knowledge in public policy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy (120 points)—builds on this foundation with more advanced study and elective courses that align with your interests and career goals
- Master of Public Policy (180 points)—builds advanced expertise and strong analytical skills for career progression and leadership in the policy field.
These qualifications form a tiered pathway. Courses you complete in the Certificate or Diploma can count towards the Master’s, so you can build your qualification over time.
A flexible alternative
If you want more flexibility, you can study many of the same courses through the Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies (PGCertPS).
This 60-point qualification lets you choose almost any 400- or 500-level course at the University, including courses from the Master of Public Policy. You can combine Public Policy courses with others that match your interests and career goals.
Get started in Public Policy
If you recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in a different subject and want to add Bachelor’s-level Public Policy knowledge to your toolkit, consider the following qualifications:
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (60 points)
- Graduate Certificate in Commerce (60 points)
- Graduate Diploma in Arts (120 points)
- Graduate Diploma in Commerce (120 points).
Consider Public Management
Our postgraduate Public Policy programme is closely related to our Public Management programme. If you are a public sector manager—or want to become one—you might find one of our Public Management qualifications more suitable.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
Get in touch and a copy of our prospectus, or get in touch directly with our Recruitment Manager, Jade Chiam.
Email: jade.chiam@vuw.ac.nz
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Public Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Study where policy gets made—with the people making it. As New Zealand’s capital, Wellington is at the heart of policy making.
Make the most of the University's strong ties with the public sector. Build valuable networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies. Listen to guest lectures from policy professionals, MPs, and government ministers.
Future careers
A qualification in a policy-related field can help to progress your career and take on a leadership role in areas such as:
- central, local, or regional government
- businesses or not-for-profits
- consultancies or iwi.
More career information
Find out more about careers in public policy.
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 Public Policy
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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 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 scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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 Public Policy
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The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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 and research areas
Our academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Barbara Allen
Head of School
Jonathan Boston
Emeritus Professor
Rose Cole
Lecturer in Public Policy
Valentina Dinica
Associate Professor
Arthur Grimes
Professor and Chair of Wellbeing and Public Policy
Kemi Igiebor
Lecturer
Denny Kudrna
Senior Lecturer
Karl Lofgren
Professor
Michael Macaulay
Presenter
Madeleine Parker
Lecturer in Public Policy
Bill Ryan
Adjunct Professor
Julia Talbot-Jones
Senior Lecturer
Amanda Wolf
Associate Dean, Teaching & Learning
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.