Examine the role of science in society
Gain a deeper understanding of the role of science in society and understand concepts relating to mātauranga Māori. We're the only Aotearoa New Zealand university to offer Science in Society.
Our postgraduate qualifications enhance your understanding of the history, philosophy, economics, science communication, and science and technology ethics. Explore areas like climate change, the environment, technology, or science funding and engagement. You could learn how conservation initiatives affect cultures, how technology changes how we understand our bodies and health, or how AI can reproduce social inequities.
Study Science in Society to build on your undergraduate degree, or if need a boost to your career. You don't need to have studied science to continue your study with us.
Choose your study path
You can study a few advanced courses in Science in Society to add depth to your study, learn the latest in the industry, or prepare for a Master’s.
Some postgraduate Science in Society courses can be taken as electives through other programmes, or as one-off courses for professional development.
Browse postgraduate Science in Society courses
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you'll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
You can staircase your study from Postgraduate Certificate in Science to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science to a Master’s. The courses you study in one qualification can count towards the next one.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Science
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Science (coursework)
- Master of Science in Society
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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 Science in Society at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington is the centre of media, government, and policymaking in New Zealand, and has thriving scientific and cultural communities—making it an ideal city in which to learn about science in society.
Future careers
New Zealand has a growing demand for analysts and critical thinkers in a range of science-related roles, especially in science communication.
Potential employers
You could work in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, for:
- government agencies
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- independent research organizations
- Crown Research Institutes such as GNS or NIWA
- iwi organisations
- universities
- media and public relations organisations
- local bodies such as regional councils.
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 in Society
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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 in Society
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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
Depending on the postgraduate qualification you study, you could have the opportunity to research an area of Science in Society in depth.
You might look at science in its wider social context, exploring it from a variety of perspectives like feminist or Māori perspectives.
Find out more about Science in Society research and what current students are exploring.
Research links
We have strong and active connections with a range of practitioners and institutions, including:
Academic staff research areas
Courtney Addison
Senior Lecturer
Sara Belcher
Senior Lecturer
Tim Corballis
Senior Lecturer
Hazel Godfrey
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Laura Kranz
Assistant Lecturer
Nayantara Sheoran Appleton
Senior Lecturer
Sarah-Jane O'Connor
Associate Dean, Students and Taught Postgraduate
Rebecca Priestley
Professor
Rhian Salmon
Head of School
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.