Postgraduate Pacific Studies –
Build a more profound understanding of the Pacific’s past influences and future possibilities, and develop the expertise to make your own contribution.
Enhance your expertise in the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific.
Learning from respected and award-winning staff, you’ll make use of tools and approaches from a range of disciplines to explore the Pacific’s historical, cultural, social, political, and economic diversity.
Develop your understanding of theoretical approaches and research methodologies for studying the Pacific, along with practical policy issues.
Available qualifications
What I have learned and studied so far has exceeded my expectations. Uncovering Pasifika history has been mind-blowing, inspiring, enlightening and empowering.
Full storyTupe Lualua
BA(Hons) in Pacific Studies
Internship
Honours and Postgraduate Diploma students can also do an internship, working in a public sector agency, private sector group, or non-governmental organisation that focuses on Pacific issues.
Get connected
Take advantage of being at the centre of political power in New Zealand. Get access to Parliament, government agencies working with Pacific communities here and abroad, Pacific Islands High Commissions, and representatives from civil society.
Pacific Studies is taught by Va'aomanū Pasifika, the University’s hub for Pacific-focused research. Make use of the extensive links that staff have with the Pacific community locally, nationally, and in the wider region.
Research topics
Find out about the approaches and opportunities for research in Pacific Studies.
Careers
Graduates with an in-depth understanding of Pasifika peoples are in demand. You might work in the public, not-for-profit, or creative and cultural sectors. Other opportunities include areas like teaching, health and social work, trade, tourism, and development. You can also pursue a continuing career as a scholar in Pacific Island Studies.
Your postgraduate study will open up opportunities to work in New Zealand, the Islands, or around the world.
Community
Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.
Joining a close-knit school, you’ll get to work one-to-one with staff. Take advantage of Va'aomanū Pasifika’s welcoming and culturally aware environment and the University’s Pasifika support services. You’ll also get access to a shared work-space and a garden where you can study or relax.
You’ll have the chance to attend and present to seminars like the national Pacific Postgraduate Talanoa Series, along with workshops, conferences, and social functions.
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 multicultural capital with its vibrant Pacific Island communities. Enjoy easy access to centres of art and culture like Te Papa, Archives New Zealand, the Alexander Turnbull Library, and the regular Pacific festivals and performances.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
Some scholarships are specifically for Pacific students, including:
Research grants
If you’re doing a Master’s or PhD you can apply for a research grant of up to $2,000 per year from the WFHSS Joint Research Committee (JRC).
Tutoring
Postgraduate students in Va'aomanū Pasifika can apply to tutor undergraduate courses. Contact the postgraduate coordinator.