Understand power at the global level
International Relations looks at power in an international context, so you understand how and why politics drive the world's current events. This is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only International Relations programme that you can begin studying from your first undergraduate year.
You’ll analyse the complex relationships between countries and other global actors, like the United Nations, multinational corporations, and NGOs. You’ll also study forces like globalisation, cybercrime, and wealth inequality, and learn how these forces complicate global relationships and change global power structures.
Learn the theories and philosophies behind competing political systems, from democracies to dictatorships, and look at power and policies in specific regions like East Asia and the Pacific.
Why Wellington
Our political science and international relations work is considered among the best in the world. Our academic staff produce world-class research that ranks first in New Zealand for its quality and engagement. We’re also linked with major research institutions worldwide.
By studying with us, you'll hear from and connect with renowned speakers, visiting academics, and politicians and government officials. You’ll also have opportunities for internships and professional networks.
Choose your study path
You can study International Relations as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Politics. Choose the degree that matches your interests and career goals.
Bachelor of Arts—BA
The BA’s flexibility means you can pair International Relations with other subjects to broaden your learning and career options. This is useful for roles outside politics or government where knowledge of the political environment and its processes is useful.
Bachelor of Politics—BPols
By majoring in International Relations within this three-year degree, you’re signalling that you’re a political expert. You might take this path if you’re aiming for roles in government, political parties, or policy analysis.
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 International Relations at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Subjects in the Bachelor of Politics
International Relations is one of six subjects you can study as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Politics.
You can combine a major in International Relations with a related major subject—a double major. Related subjects include:
- Political Communication
- Political Science
- Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
- Public Policy.
Choose to specialise in International Security
A major in International Relations allows you to specialise in International Security—the study of how and why conflict emerges in the international system. This is useful if you’re interested in careers in government, intelligence, or in roles that deal with international security.
Earn a double degree with an Italian university
If you're enrolled in International Relations within the BA or BPols, you could also receive a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS), in Rome, Italy.
LUISS is a prestigious liberal arts college ranked in the top 20 in the world for Political Science by the QS World University Rankings.
Future careers
International Relations graduates work in roles that require critical analysis, research, consequential thinking, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
International Relations graduates often find work in:
- policy analysis
- stakeholder relations
- journalism and communications
- research analysis or advisory roles
- parliamentary research.
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 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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
Globally ranked
Our Political Science and International Relations subjects are ranked in the top 150 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.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study for a Master's.
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.