Study the enormous differences in living standards around the world and what we can do about it. Examine the relationships between people and institutions—from small communities, to government agencies and international organisations.
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals will be a major feature of your studies. The goals set out 15 years of global action aimed at alleviating or eliminating poverty, improving literacy rates, improving access to education and addressing health issues like life expectancy and maternal mortality.
Victoria University of Wellington is the only place in New Zealand where you can do an undergraduate major in Development Studies. Tailor your degree to match your interests and skills.
At postgraduate level you'll look more closely at policy and practice in the real world. You'll get a chance to work on real projects and programmes that address the issues and make people's lives better.
Undergraduate degrees
Here are some of the undergraduate degrees you can look at studying.
Bachelor of Science – BSc
- Duration 3 years
- Complete 360 points
- Location Wellington campuses
-
Next starting dates 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more) - Entry Achieve the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or three GCE Advanced Level passes at C grade, or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
If you're interested in environmental issues and science-based-subjects like Geography and Earth Sciences then do Development Studies through this degree.
Bachelor of Arts – BA
- Duration 3 years
- Complete 360 points
- Location Wellington campuses
-
Next starting dates 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more) - Entry Achieve the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or three GCE Advanced Level passes at C grade, or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
If you're interested in humanities, sociology, politics and international relations then take Development Studies through this degree.
Bachelor of Environment and Society – BEnvSoc
- Duration 3 years
- Complete 360 points
-
Next starting dates 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ 0 more) - Entry Achieve the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or three GCE Advanced Level passes at C grade, or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
If you want to balance science with the humanities, then take Development Studies through this degree.
Graduate qualifications
Graduate Diploma in Arts – GDipArts
- Duration 2 trimesters
- Complete 120 points
- Location Wellington campuses
-
Next starting dates 7 Jul 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more) - Entry Bachelor's degree or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Graduate Diploma in Science – GDipSc
- Duration 2 trimesters
- Complete 120 points
- Location Wellington campuses
-
Next starting dates 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ 0 more) - Entry Bachelor's degree or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Postgraduate study
Find out about this subject at postgraduate level and what your qualification options are.