Imagine a society with fair, effective solutions
Social Policy is all about understanding the challenges people face in everyday life and how governments and communities try to solve them.
You’ll study topics like poverty and fair access to education, healthcare, and housing. You’ll also explore how the Treaty of Waitangi has influenced social policies.
If you want to make a difference in society, work in government, or for a union, or another advocacy or non-profit organisation, Social Policy gives you the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world issues.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our history of study and scholarship in Sociology—in 1950 we became the first university in Aotearoa to offer this subject.
Here, you’ll learn from the best. Our staff are experts on how and why people organise themselves, and in the structures that define human interaction.
Choose your study path
You can study Social Policy as a minor in a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
For your major subject in the BA, you’ll need to choose another complementary subject. Social Policy goes well with these subjects:
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Sociology.
With permission from your faculty, you can study Social Policy as a minor in the following degrees:
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 Social Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Social Policy graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their critical-thinking skills and their clear understanding of human interaction.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication make graduates valuable across many different industries.
Potential industries you could explore include:
- education
- health
- social services
- communication
- advocacy
- government.
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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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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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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.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology subjects are ranked in the top 200 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
After completing your Bachelor’s degree with a minor in Social Policy, you can continue studying this subject at postgraduate level.
You can study Social Policy in two research-based qualifications: the Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
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.