Learn how politics really works
Political Science is the study of the exercise of power, and the theories and philosophies that drive political change—and wider change in society.
Study Political Science to understand how politics really operates. You’ll compare political ideas like liberalism, communism, and feminism, and use them to examine the events and issues shaping our society. Discover the concepts at the heart of politics and find out how governing bodies really work—in New Zealand and overseas.
Dig into the key issues in national and international politics. Learn about conflict, terrorism, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid. Examine enduring political ideas about democracy and social justice.
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 Science 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 Political Science 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 Political Science 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 Political Science 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 Communicattion
- Political Science
- Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
- Public Policy.
Choose an optional specialisation
Within the Political Science major, you could take an optional specialisation.
Comparative Politics
Look at how and why political systems differ in different countries. Learn how governments work and change, and compare democracies with authoritarian regimes. You’ll study issues like revolutions and political transitions, and global challenges like climate change.
Political Ideas
Understand how the principles of political thought—like political theory, philosophy, and ethics—affect how governments exercise power. You’ll investigate foundational concepts and philosophies behind political action and institutions. Study key thinkers and political movements, and debate ideas like justice, freedom, and democracy.
Future careers
Political Science graduates may work in political environments as well as in non-profits, NGOs, and government departments.
Early roles for
Political Science graduates
After graduation, you could begin your career as a:
- political assistant
- journalist
- programme coordinator
- parliamentary researcher.
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.
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.
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.
Postgraduate Political Science
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.