The skills to create change for the better
Local and global inequalities are interrelated, and they affect everyone. In Development Studies, you’ll examine the social, economic, and political processes that contribute to inequalities and learn how we can take action to make a difference.
Explore how people and institutions are working to create change—from small communities to government agencies and international organisations. Build the analytic and practical skills you need to work in the ever-changing development space.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only place in New Zealand where you can do an undergraduate major in Development Studies. Study in our capital city towards a career that could make a world of difference.
What you’ll learn
Development Studies encourages you to better understand the world and the diverse perspectives and experiences of people and communities in different places. Be inspired by grassroots, community-led action, as well as understanding the wider contexts of cultural, economic, and environmental change at different scales.
Development Studies is broad and multidisciplinary. You’ll e xamine the intersections between fields such as health, economic wellbeing, environmental change, and social justice. A Development Studies major will give you the conceptual foundations you need to explore the development challenges that most interest you, in a range of geographic contexts—both local and international.
The Development Studies course list includes courses from many subjects from across the University. You’ll have a wide range of options to choose from.
Real-world connections
Through our connections with local, national, and international aid organisations, you’ll have the opportunity to gain insight into international development and how aid policies are established. Learn about community development and how non-government organisations (NGOs) support social change. See how key development organisations work, including:
- government agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- multilaterals such as the World Bank
- international NGOs like Oxfam or World Vision
- community-led initiatives.
Choose your study path
Our flexible degrees let you tailor your study to suit your interests. You can major in Development Studies as part of a:
- Bachelor of Science—if you’re interested in combining Development Studies with Geography, Environment or Climate Studies.
- Bachelor of Arts—if you're interested in combining Development Studies with languages, culture and politics.
- Bachelor of Environment and Society—if you’re interested in the relationships between environment and social change,and want to undertake interdisciplinary team projects in your third year.
Double majors with Development Studies
Development Studies makes an excellent second major subject. We encourage you to combine it with your learning in another related discipline, such as:
- Cultural Anthropology
- Economics
- Earth Science
- Geology
- History
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Biology
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Māori Studies.
You’ll have a wide range of courses to choose from to complement and build on your learning in both majors.
Plan your Development Studies major carefully
Because there are so many ways to study development, this major requires careful planning. Talk to a student success adviser for help.
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 Development Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Travel the world or stay in New Zealand—Development Studies will give you the skills to make a difference wherever you are. You might work at:
- government agencies
- non-government and community organisations
- research organisations
- local or regional councils.
With a Development Studies major, you will be suited to roles in:
- policy, research and planning
- international aid and development
- education, government and public service
- non-governmental organisations and charity work
- local and community development.
You could also find work in areas like migrant and refugee support, media, advocacy, or charitable fund-raising.
With postgraduate study, you can go on to senior roles in development research and policy.
More career information
Find out more about roles and career pathways in development, as well as how to build relevant skills and make career connections while studying.
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 Development Studies
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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 Development Studies
-
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
If you get good grades in your undergraduate degree, you could continue on to a Master’s degree. We offer a number of options for Development Studies—if you want to carry on straight from your undergraduate degree, the two-year Master of Science programme might suit you.
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.