Take your passion for theatre to the next level
Hone your understanding of distinct areas of theatre and performance scholarship, or advance your skills in theatrical practice research through Postgraduate Theatre and Performance Studies.
Contribute to ground-breaking research on the theatre and performance of Aotearoa New Zealand, explore Māori and Pasifika theatre through an Indigenous lens, or reshape the way we talk about and research global contemporary performance.
Connect with the local industry through collaborative research projects that contribute to the rich cultural landscape of Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Aotearoa. Create your own practice-led research project as part of an annual festival showcase of graduate student work.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can take Postgraduate Theatre 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 (coursework)
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Focus on research
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Develop your arts practice while drawing on everything the creative capital has to offer. Our Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) is a practical, industry-focused degree that helps you develop as a creative leader.
The degree develops your mastery, craft, and practical skills, and helps you build new networks in Wellington’s creative industries. Lead an ambitious creative project over 12 months of intensive study.
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 Theatre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington is a hotspot for the creative and performing arts and is at the centre of the cultural landscape in Aotearoa. From the innovative BATS Theatre to the classic Opera House, you'll have the opportunity to be inspired and to inspire.
Experience and participate in a range of international, national, and locally-significant work on your doorstep. Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, New Zealand Fringe Festival, and Cuba Dupa are just a few of the exciting events you'll be able to see, research, and take part in.
Future careers
You'll learn collaborative and productive skills that are relevant for a range of careers. Theatre graduates don't only work in theatre, but also in film, television and radio, and even unrelated fields.
With theatre research, you'll gain skills and knowledge relevant to academic, practitioner, and research-based roles. Postgraduate study in theatre and performance studies prepares you for leadership roles within the creative arts and beyond, including arts management, public relations, policy advice, librarianship, and politics. Other options include teaching or working in the not-for-profit sector or a non-governmental organisation.
Or you might choose to pursue your creative career by working freelance, creating your own theatre company or festival, or producing your own works.
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 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.
Jonno Graffam-O'Meara
Lecturer
Nicola Hyland
Associate Professor
Lucas Neal
Lecturer (Teaching) in Scenography
Kerryn Palmer
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Sarah Thomasson
Senior Lecturer
Paul Tozer
Senior Technical Officer
James Wenley
Senior Lecturer in Theatre
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.