Postgraduate International Relations –
Expand your horizons and enhance your understanding of global challenges and events with advanced study in International Relations.
Find out what happens behind the world headlines and get the insights to help shape them.
Investigate the workings of diplomacy, foreign policy, development, aid, and global political economy.
Starting with a strong theoretical foundation, you'll develop the expertise needed to analyse complex geopolitical issues and to operate in a global environment.
Studying in the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, you'll be part of an integrated Political Science and International Relations programme that also includes Strategic Studies. This gives you access to a broad range of courses and research expertise.
Available qualifications
Globally ranked
This subject area at Victoria University of Wellington is ranked in the top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Worldwide connections, world-class staff
Learn from staff with strong links to prestigious institutions and fellow researchers worldwide. Our staff produce world-class research and are regularly asked to comment on international issues and advise governments both in New Zealand and across the Asia-Pacific region.
You'll get to hear from and connect with top-flight visiting speakers, including academics, politicians, and government officials.
I chose to stay at Victoria University of Wellington and complete my postgraduate studies because of the brilliant lecturers we have here. I knew I would have excellent supervisors for my PhD research and they have lived up to the expectation.
Full storyClaire Fitzpatrick
PhD candidate in International Relations
Fast-track or focus on research
If you're a working professional or graduate looking to build a career with an international focus, the 12-month Master of International Relations gives you Master’s-level expertise without needing an Honours degree. You can also do the shorter, coursework-only Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations.
If you want to focus more heavily on research you can follow the pathway through the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Arts by thesis and PhD.
Research topics
If you're thinking of doing a research project you can check the academic staff list to see the research and teaching interests of staff.
Careers
Take your career global. Build the expertise and insights needed to work in foreign affairs, international business and trade, development and aid, teaching and research, global civil society, and the media around the world.
Give yourself options to work for multinational corporations, local companies with global reach, non-government organisations and government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand Customs Service and the defence, police and intelligence services.
The knowledge and understanding that I have gained through the course will enable me to be more effective at my work.
Full storyVicki Soanes, Master of International Relations
Secretary General of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
Community
Join a school with a focus on fostering its postgraduate community. You'll enjoy the benefits of strong relationships with staff, a thriving research culture and practical support through seminars, discussion groups and conferences.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital, home to the diplomatic community and the government agencies leading New Zealand’s foreign relations. Cosmopolitan and lively, Wellington hosts an array of local and international cultural events.
Scholarships
You can apply for the Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship if you're doing a full-time research-focused Master's.
If you're doing a PhD you can apply for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship.
You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
Summer Research scholarships
If you’re a third year or above, interested and skilled in research and planning to do a Master's, you can apply for a Summer Research scholarship—where you'll work with academics and an external organisation on a research project over the summer.
Tutoring
You may be able to get tutoring or marking work. To find out more, email the administrator.