Study fundamental questions about humanity and the world
Philosophy encourages you to ask big questions about things often taken for granted, such as whether we have free will, what happiness is, and whether God exists. You’ll study the history of ideas and the philosophical perspectives that shape the world we live in.
You’ll examine how language represents reality and explore questions at the heart of religion, psychology, science, and politics. You’ll also engage with contemporary ethical issues such as abortion, war, and euthanasia, and ask what is right or wrong—and how we can know.
You’ll develop strong thinking skills. You’ll learn logic and argument analysis, and build transferable skills in research, problem-solving, and clear communication. If you enjoy careful thinking and big questions about humanity and the universe, philosophy is right for you.
Choose your study path
You can study Philosophy as a major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts.
Studying a second subject alongside Philosophy can broaden your employment options and open up career pathways.
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 Philosophy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Complimentary subjects
If you’re interested in areas such as ethics, the mind, art, society, and culture, you can choose from a range of complementary subjects including:
- History
- Psychology
- Economics
- Sociology
- Media Studies
- Film
- Marketing
- Criminology
- Political Science.
If you’re interested in logic, you can choose from complementary subjects such as:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems.
You may also consider studying a conjoint degree, such as the BA with a Bachelor of Laws.
Future careers
Transferrable skills
Philosophy graduates work in a wide range of roles that use their enquiring approach, creative and analytical thinking, and communication skills. These skills—alongside practical skills in logic, reasoning, and decision making—make them highly valuable in sectors such as the arts, law, human rights, business, politics, community services, education, and IT.
Government opportunities
Government ministries employ Philosophy graduates in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, and research analyst or advisory roles. First roles for those with undergraduate degrees may be in administration or coordination.
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.
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 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.
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.