Art History
Think critically about art in all its forms—from historical and contemporary New Zealand and Pacific art to the work of digital media artists.
Subjects
- Art History
- Museum and Heritage Studies
Media Studies –
From print media to television, popular music, the internet and mobile technologies, the media is integral to how we navigate and understand the world. Explore one of the main ways we come to know ourselves and our society.
Media Studies examines the roles that various forms of media play in communities, societies and cultures.
Study a variety of media, how it is produced and consumed, and the media’s role in New Zealand and abroad. Explore how we use media to inform and entertain us, to socialise with others, to share our thoughts and beliefs, and to engage in political debates and social movements.
You can focus on topics as diverse as advertising, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, news culture, popular music, social and interactive media and television.
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 200 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.
Media Studies has offered some awesome opportunities—ranging from interesting guest speakers across the parliamentary sector and journalists, as well as the chance to take on some very creative assignments that move away from the traditional essay.
Full storyEmily Hamilton
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Media Studies
Gain critical perspective
Analyse how media shapes our worldview, how it works to reinforce certain power structures and how those power structures might be challenged and resisted.
Delve into the technologies, institutions, policies and regulations, producers, content and audiences that make up the media landscape. Consider media’s role in government, finance, globalisation, representation and popular culture. Learn how media can be put to better use as social, political and creative tools.
Media is the primary way we access the world, and for that reason it’s incredibly powerful. It can give people a voice, implement change, and alter people’s lives. It’s absolutely crucial that we understand how it operates.
Full storyDr Cherie Lacey
Lecturer, Media Studies
Learn from the best
Your lecturers and tutors are experts in their fields, involved in leading research and regular commentators in the media. You'll also benefit from the insights of guest lecturers and industry professionals.
Learn more about Media Studies staff and their research interests.
Expand your networks
Gain practical experience as a writer for Salient or by taking up a BA Internship in related fields. Or you could head off on an overseas exchange to our partner, Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Most of my roles since graduating have involved using multiple platforms to tell one cohesive message. Media Studies has taught me the different challenges and opportunities that each medium provides for storytelling. Whether you’re promoting a product, sharing news or creating entertainment content, the message needs to be tailored for each platform.
Full storyAriane Galope
Master of Arts in Media Studies
After you graduate
Employers are increasingly looking to hire graduates from the humanities and social sciences, valuing them for the diversity of critical thinking, analytical skills and creative solutions they can bring to a wide variety of roles. Through Media Studies, you’ll develop these, along with written, oral communication and research skills. You’ll have opportunities to strengthen your leadership and teamwork experiences and to hone digital media skills, highly prized across all sectors.
Roles currently held by Media Studies graduates include:
- Journalist at Newshub
- Strategic Planner at ClemengerBBDO
- Content Strategist at TVNZ
- Funding Advisor at New Zealand on Air
- Digital Content Specialist at Air New Zealand
- Policy Advisor at Ministry of Primary Industries
- Classifications Advisor at the Office of Film & Literature Classification
- Media Relations Advisor at New Zealand Police
- Marketing Manager at Trade Me.
Study media in the home of public broadcasters like Radio New Zealand, the parliamentary press gallery, policymakers, regulatory bodies, and advertising and creative content agencies that shape the media we use and consume. Cultivate your creative abilities and enjoy the vibrant music and arts scene in the cultural capital.
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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