Anthropology
Explore how culture shapes human life around the world—from religion and politics to gender identity and family ties.
Subjects
- Cultural Anthropology
New Zealand Sign Language –
Learn to communicate in one of New Zealand's official languages, New Zealand Sign Language, and develop your understanding of Deaf community and culture.
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the language of New Zealand's Deaf community and the glue that binds the community together.
It's a natural sign language, meaning that it's evolved to serve the needs of Deaf people and isn't a literal translation of spoken or written English.
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.
22,000
The number of New Zealanders who use NZSL every day. (Source: Census data from Stats New Zealand)
Find out about the cultural experiences of Deaf people in New Zealand. Learn how NZSL has developed, and how the language shapes community and culture.
Learn how to communicate using NZSL. Get a solid grounding in the grammatical structure of the language and develop the skills to be understood and express yourself clearly.
Learners and teachers
At Victoria University of Wellington you can learn to sign in NZSL. Or, if you're already fluent, you can learn to teach the language at the only university course in New Zealand that is specially designed for Deaf learners.
At the centre of Deaf Studies
Your studies will be enhanced by the leading Deaf community and NZSL research of the University's Deaf Studies Research Unit.
Research includes documenting the lexicon and grammar of the language, the cultural experiences of NZSL users, and the experiences of Deaf people in education. The Research Unit also develops learning and teaching resources like the multimedia Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language.
After you graduate
Use your understanding of NZSL as the basis of your career in teaching or interpreting.
Knowledge of Deaf culture and community can be useful when working at a government department, NGO, or social service agency—in jobs like policy analysis, research, or social work.
Creative Wellington
Wellington is the cultural and political capital of New Zealand. There's always heaps happening—whether you're interested in arts and culture, sport and the outdoors, or eating delicious food. It's also home to the thriving Wellington Deaf Society and the headquarters of Deaf advocacy organisation Deaf Aotearoa.
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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