Discover the power of language
Study Language Sciences as a major, in the only undergraduate programme of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll explore the structure of languages, how they have evolved, and how we use them. Discover how language builds societies, cultures, and power, and how we use linguistic theory and expertise for language teaching, planning, and technology.
You can choose your own path within our Language Sciences programme. Select courses for a range of language sciences skills, or take one of our unique specialisations—Linguistics or Applied Linguistics—for careers or postgraduate study in these areas.
Whichever path you choose, you'll develop a distinctive combination of skills in analytical thinking, research, cross-cultural awareness, and practical communication.
Choose your study path
You can take Language Sciences as a major in the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Communication.
Bachelor of Arts
The BA is our broadest, most flexible degree. You can combine a Language Sciences major with wide range of complementary major and minor subjects.
Bachelor of Communication
Our three-year Bachelor of Communication, designed with the help of the communications industry, builds your skills and knowledge for a communications career.
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 Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Optional specialisations
You can choose to specialise in Linguistics or Applied Linguistics to focus your expertise within your Language Sciences major.
- Linguistics focuses on the mental processes and structures of how language works and on linguistic diversity.
- Applied Linguistics looks more at the applications of language expertise: language learning and teaching, and how language supports communities and helps meet society’s needs. This could prepare you for a career in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
A specialisation can also set you up for postgraduate study in Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, or TESOL.
Future careers
Graduates find work in communications, marketing, media, and other fields where communication is important, including government and non-profit organisations.
You might work as:
- international education advisers
- recruitment agents
- media and communications advisers
- policy analysts and researchers in migration areas
- community workers and coordinators
- project coordinator or training facilitators.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience.
More career information
Find out more about careers in language sciences.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
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. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
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 Linguistics subjects are ranked in the top 100 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 a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
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.