MMigS not offered in 2025

The Master of Migration Studies programme won’t be accepting new entrants in 2025.

If you would like to discuss alternative programme options, please arrange a course advice appointment with the future students team.

Migration is increasingly a high-priority issue for governments and organisations around the world. Explore the social, economic, and political drivers and consequences of forced and voluntary migration.

Drawing on several disciplines, including political science, geography, and history, you'll discover why and how migration happens and gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities it creates. You can choose to examine topics such as the refugee crisis in Europe, labour migration, multiculturalism and immigration as an election issue.

Programmes

151,000

The number of long-term migrants who arrived in New Zealand in the year ending March 2018. The number of New Zealanders who departed long-term was 95,100, giving a record net migration total of nearly 56,000.

Between February 2020 and February 2021 there were 77% fewer migrants to New Zealand than in the year to February 2020. Will migration to New Zealand and around the world return to pre-COVID levels of immigration or will we see significant ‘re-sets’ in immigration patterns? Who will continue to move around the world and whose movements will be restricted?

Learning across disciplines

You'll not only gain an in-depth understanding of migration issues, you'll develop your critical thinking, communications, and research skills.

If you're a Master's student, you may have the opportunity to do an internship with an organisation involved in migration policy, research or practice. Or you can choose to complete a 60-point research project instead. Take the opportunity to contribute your own perspectives to the study of migration.

portrait photo

The Master of Migration Studies is the best opportunity for me to further develop myself academically, and to gain a deeper, personal understanding of migration issues facing New Zealand and the world.

Emma Liu

Master of Migration Studies

Full story

In the heart of it

In the capital city of Wellington, you'll be at the centre of immigration policy and decision-making. Take advantage of the University's links with national organisations that deal with migration such as Immigration New Zealand and the New Zealand Red Cross.

MMigS Master of Migration Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$15,471for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Type Coursework, research or practicum
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 180 points (5-6 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree in relevant subject.

PGDipMigS Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$10,324for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 120 points (4 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree in relevant subject.

PGCertMigS Postgraduate Certificate in Migration Studies

  • Duration trimester
  • Fees NZ$5,178for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 60 points (2 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree in relevant subject.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.

You'll have opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Seminars skills sessions.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. You'll be immersed in a cosmopolitan city that's home to thousands of immigrant workers, foreign students and resettled refugees, so you'll be able to observe immigration policy and practice in action.

Careers

People with an in-depth knowledge of migration issues are increasingly in demand in governments, NGOs, media, and research organisations. You'll be able to apply your understanding of migration in a wide range of professions such as policy analysis, research, international development, community development, and refugee resettlement.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

PhD study

If you do well in your Master's research, you may also be able to continue your academic studies with a PhD in one of the disciplines that examines migration and its impacts.

You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.

The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study.

Contact the postgraduate programme director about available supervision before you apply.