Gain a deep understanding of social behaviour
Advance your understanding of social patterns in societies through examining all kinds of group situations, from interpersonal relationships to global links between peoples. Get the skills to plan and manage a complex project, judge and evaluate evidence, and develop the ability to see different viewpoints on complex and diverse situations.
Study with sociologists whose expertise spans doctor–patient interactions, political extremism, decolonisation, and the ethics of assisted reproduction. You’ll learn to analyse and structure information to build evidence-based arguments. You’ll also develop presentation skills through conferences and seminars.
Research health, gender, sexuality, bodies and identities, whiteness, violence, inequality, Kaupapa Māori, political sociology, statelessness, and citizenship.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Sociology with us.
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.
Focus on coursework
Graduate Certificate in Arts
Graduate Diploma in Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Master of Arts (by coursework)
Focus on research
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Master of Arts (by thesis)
Doctor of Philosophy
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 Sociology 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 Sociology builds transferable skills for careers in policy, research, health, communications, and other fields where strong analytical, research, and writing abilities are valued.
You can also open up your career pathway by choosing to study a second subject which complements Sociology like Commerce or other Humanities or Social Science subjects.
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 Sociology.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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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 is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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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.
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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The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a full-time Master's by thesis student undertaking research in New Zealand's history, cultures and society. Students who are intending to transfer to Victoria University of Wellington from other universities are eligible to apply. This scholarship is open to domestic and international students.
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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.
Industry connections
We have industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations, including the Sociological Association of Aotearoa. The Association is a network for New Zealand sociologists and aims to further sociology in New Zealand.
Academic staff research areas
Janepicha Cheva-Isarakul
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy
Jennifer de Saxe
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Sociology
Kevin Dew
Professor
Chamsy el-Ojeili
Associate Professor
Hine Funaki-Cole
Lecturer in Sociology
Carol Harrington
Senior Lecturer
Rhonda Shaw
Associate 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.