Development Studies
Study human societies and their relationship to the Earth we live on. Investigate inequality between people and nations, and the ethical issues it creates.
Subjects
- Development Studies
Geography –
Our Earth is shaped by different cultural, social, and physical forces. Study Geography and learn about these different features of our world.
At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you can study all areas of geography—from human geography to climate, landscape, and physical geography. Our breadth of options mean you can choose to focus on the natural or the human environment, or gain an overall view of the different processes that shape the world we live in
The Earth and its environment are made up of many complex and beautiful systems, both natural and manmade. How do these systems—like the weather or population growth—shape us and our planet?
Study Geography to learn about the world we live in and the processes that have created it. Look at human issues like poverty and inequality and explore the relationships between natural systems.
The great thing about Development Studies and Geography is that they are subjects situated between people and their environments—therefore they use knowledge from both earth and social sciences to understand and connect them.
Full storyNicole Bares
Bachelor of Science student in Development Studies and Geography
Out and about
You'll get the chance to work in the field. Study and research in urban and rural New Zealand, visiting remote locations like the Volcanic Plateau and southern glaciers. Work in sites and with communities in Africa, Antarctica, and the Pacific.
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 100 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.
Understanding Antarctica
You'll get access to the cutting-edge work of the Antarctic Research Centre—learning from researchers who are working to understand changes in Antarctica's climate and its effect on the global climate system.
60%
Research carried out by the University’s Antarctic Research Centre shows the ice volumes of the glaciers of the central Southern Alps are set to reduce by up to 60 percent by 2100.
Only in Wellington
Kick-start your career when you study Geography at Victoria University of Wellington—we offer options at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. You’ll study at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, ranked first equal in New Zealand for research quality in Human Geography in the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) evaluation. We are also ranked among the top 100 for Geography in the world in the 2023 QS World Rankings.
Take advantage of strong ties to some of New Zealand's most important geographic organisations—like GNS Science, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and Statistics NZ.
After you graduate
You could work as an adviser to an aid and development organisation, or work in conservation, land and water management, geospatial analysis, or foreign affairs.
I am interested in a career that has a strong environmental focus, and the political complexity and challenges that society faces with environmental change.
Full storyNicole Bares
Bachelor of Science student in Development Studies and Geography
Wellington is at New Zealand's political and scientific heart. It's the seat of government and the site of embassies and high commissions, non-governmental organisations and Crown Research Institutes, like GNS Science and NIWA. It's also the home of some fascinating natural features—like a major fault line—and a short trip away from the Volcanic Plateau and the southern glaciers.
357m
Lake Taupō on NZ's Volcanic Plateau sits at 357m above sea level—and is both NZ's biggest lake and its largest volcano.
Support for students
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.
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