Learn what’s behind climate change
Study Climate Science to get a scientific overview of the climate system—the complex interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere (snow and ice), land surface, and biosphere (living things) that together determine the Earth's surface climate.
Learn how to explain the effects of the weather and climate—and climate change—on Aotearoa New Zealand.
You’ll also explore climate modelling. Learn the skills to effectively communicate about climate change and work effectively in teams. Explore scientific questions and master how to interpret data.
Choose your study path
You can major or minor in Climate Science as part of either the:
- Bachelor of Environment and Society (BEnvSoc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Which degree you choose to study will depend on which major you want to study, your interests, and career goals.
- The BEnvSoc teaches you to think critically about the causes and effects of environmental problems, based on the physical processes shaping our world. You can focus your degree on the aspects you’re interested in—from the physics of the atmosphere and the climate system, to the political processes that guide our response to the problem.
- The BSc offers more than 25 science subjects you can mix and match together. You’ll enjoy study both in and outside the classroom in labs and research.
Degree structure options
Both degrees give you options on how you structure your study—with double majors, second majors from outside degrees, minors, or conjoint degrees. Each degree page lists these options in detail.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Climate Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
As a Climate Science graduate, you can pursue a career as a:
- climate researcher
- science communicator
- policy adviser.
The career you could have depends on the degree you choose and how you structure your study with other majors or minors.
Find out about roles and career pathways, where graduates work, and how to build relevant skills or career connections in your specific area.
More career information
Find out more about careers in climate science.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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 Climate Science
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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 Climate Science
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Postgraduate study
After you complete your undergraduate study in Climate Science, there are many available postgraduate options, including:
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.