Find better outcomes for society
If you want to get the skills to make a difference, study postgraduate Social Policy.
You’ll analyse how people, governments, non-governmental organisations, and iwi try to answer the big questions facing society. Look closely at the concept of social wellbeing and who’s responsible for improving it. Examine issues like poverty, social exclusion, and changing populations.
Through your study you’ll develop the confidence and analytical skills to investigate and communicate about policy. Learn how to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and frame issues in ways that can lead to change.
Choose your study path
Currently, you can only study postgraduate Social Policy through our research degrees—the Master of Arts (by thesis) or the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
For advice on other study options, talk to one of our future student advisers.
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 Social Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our history of study and scholarship in Sociology—in 1950 we became the first university in Aotearoa to offer this subject.
Here, you’ll learn from the best. Our staff are experts on how and why people organise themselves, and in the structures that define human interaction.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology 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 Social Policy graduates' communication and critical-thinking skills, and their understanding of human interaction, belief systems, and influences, are valuable in many industries.
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.
Dr Sheena Hudson PhD Scholarship
This scholarship supports a student studying part time for a PhD in Social Policy.
Other scholarships
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 Social 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 Postgraduate Social Policy
-
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 research areas
Janepicha Cheva-Isarakul
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy
Jennifer de Saxe
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Sociology
Carol Harrington
Senior Lecturer
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.