Learn the art and skill of theatre
Theatre allows us to see and feel the world through another person's eyes, challenging us to look closely at ourselves—to examine our values and our behaviour. It helps us reflect on the mistakes and triumphs of the past, and to imagine the world of the future.
Learn how to express yourself through telling stories. We encourage you to experiment and build your self-reliance and resourcefulness—and we emphasise teamwork, collaboration, and leadership to help build your communication and people skills.
You'll also gain skills in performance production—including directing, designing, producing, devising, and performing. Master the craft of dramaturgy, experiment with scenography, and learn to write for and about performance. With support from experienced practitioners and using our fully equipped Studio 77 theatre, you'll discover what it takes to put on a production—from the kernel of an idea to the final-night pack out of a performance season.
Why Wellington
Wellington is a hotspot for the creative and performing arts and is at the centre of the cultural landscape in Aotearoa. From the innovative BATS Theatre to the classic Opera House, you'll have the opportunity to be inspired and to inspire.
Experience and participate in a range of international, national, and locally-significant work on your doorstep. Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, New Zealand Fringe Festival, and Cuba Dupa are just a few of the exciting events you'll be able to see, research, and take part in.
Choose your study path
You can study Theatre as a major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts.
You can combine Theatre with complementary subjects such as:
- Classical Studies
- Creating Writing
- English Literature
- Film
- Media Studies
- Psychology.
To broaden your career path after graduating, you may also study Theatre in a conjoint degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.
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 Theatre at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
By studying Theatre you'll learn collaborative and productive skills that are relevant for a range of careers. Theatre graduates don't only work in theatre, but also in film, television, and radio, and even unrelated fields.
When combined with other qualifications, you might find work in arts management, advertising, or events management. Other options include teaching, working in the not-for-profit sector, or for a non-governmental organisation.
You could also choose a creative career by working freelance, joining a theatre company, or devising your own works.
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 Theatre.
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.
FAME Emerging Practitioner Award
This scholarship is open to students who have completed their first year of study in Theatre.
FAME Emerging Practitioner Award
Other scholarships
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.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s, or if you want to do independent research, you could study for a 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.