Postgraduate Sociology –
Enhance your Bachelor's degree and gain advanced knowledge and skills in sociology with postgraduate study.
Sociology is the study of social life. Gain an in-depth understanding of social patterns in societies through examining all kinds of group situations, from interpersonal relationships to global links between peoples.
Get the skills to plan and manage a complex project, judge, and evaluate evidence and develop the ability to see different viewpoints on complex and diverse situations.
Learn how to collect, synthesise and structure large quantities of information and write a sustained argument based on logical evidence. You will also have the opportunity to develop your presentation skills through participation in academic conferences and seminars.
Available qualifications
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 150 universities 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.
At the School of Social and Cultural Studies you will learn from widely published lecturers whose research is recognised both nationally and internationally.
If you're studying for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours you will have the opportunity to do an Honours internship in a government department or a non-governmental organisation.
Research topics
Be part of a strong culture of postgraduate research supervision—with staff actively mentoring you through the processes of developing a project, conducting research, writing your thesis and first publications. Take advantage of the research experience and support—study the areas of sociology that relate to your goals and interests.
Sociology can be broad, looking at the bigger picture of how society functions, or more focused on smaller aspects of how we behave in everyday life, so there is freedom within the discipline to focus on your particular interest.
Full storyBrent Neilson
PhD graduate in Sociology
Careers
You might find work in both the public and private sector, from entry level through to senior management. Jobs may include work in social research, social policy, social development, social services, criminal justice, education, and social welfare, in both public service and non-governmental organisations. You may also go into resource management, public relations, market research or local government administration.
Community
Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. You will have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.
You will have access to a desk and computer in an office that you share with one or two other graduate students. There is also free printing, administrative support, and a kitchen available for you to use.
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. In Wellington you'll be at the centre of government, where social policy is made, and you'll have access to resources like Archives New Zealand and the National Library.
Scholarships
You can apply each year to the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (WFHSS) for financial support to attend conferences and conduct fieldwork.
There is also a range of teaching and research assistant positions within the programme each year that you can apply for.
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
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.