Become a political communications professional
Study Political Communication if you're interested in how how persuasive communication works in politics, the media, or in democratic and non-democratic societies.
You’ll learn how political communication shapes public opinion and drives change. You'll explore speech writing, election campaigns, political marketing, and public relations and learn how politicians, the media, and citizens interact in the political process.
By studying in Wellington, you’re at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s communications industry. You’ll graduate with the communication skills you need for a career in government communications.
Why Wellington
As New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is the seat of power. That makes it perhaps the best place in the country to study politics.
Here you can visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, attend Question Time, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making. The University's Wellington location and strong ties with the public sector make it easier to build networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies.
You’ll have the chance to listen to guest lectures from leaders in the public service, policy professionals, and government ministers.
Choose your study path
You can study Political Communication as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Politics. Choose the degree that matches your interests and career goals.
Bachelor of Communication—BC
A BC with a major in Political Communications is a good choice if you want to be a communication specialist who understands the political communication environment. It’s a good pathway towards communications work with a focus on politics in the public, private, non-governmental, and non-profit sectors.
The BC is a three-year, 360-point degree. You’ll learn practical skills with courses designed in collaboration with the New Zealand communications industry. You might pair your major with others like Media Studies or Marketing.
Bachelor of Politics—BPols
By majoring in in Political Communication within a BPols, you’re signalling that you’re a political expert who can communicate well. You might take this path if you’re aiming for roles in government, political parties, policy analysis, and international relations.
In this three-year degree, you can major in Political Communication within the context of Political Science.
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 Political Communication at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Subjects in the Bachelor of Politics
Political Communication is one of six subjects you can study as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Politics.
You can combine a major in Political Communication with a related major subject—a double major. Related subjects include:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
- Public Policy.
Future careers
Your Political Communications major can help you find roles in almost any organisation that needs to manage its communications.
For example, your studies are relevant to roles in communications, media, and other fields within local and regional government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector.
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.
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 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 of Communication or a Master of Political Science.
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.