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Politics and International Relations looks at power, social movements, and political systems and ideologies in different situations—both in New Zealand, and overseas.

Explore how politics really operates. Discover the big concepts at the heart of the world's governments and parliaments and find out about the real-life workings of governing bodies in New Zealand and overseas.

Dig into the big issues in national and international politics. Learn about conflict and terrorism, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid. Examine enduring political ideas about democracy and social justice.

Globally ranked

This subject area at Victoria University of Wellington is ranked in the top 100 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.

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Seeing the world from new perspectives

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Learn all about the nature of political power. Find out where it comes from, how it's given to a particular group or person, and why certain people are in the position to make the rules we all live by.

Skills for life

Analyse the issues at the heart of national and world events and develop research and communication skills that can help you in your future career.

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The skills I learned through my International Relations degree are essential to my job now—being able to quickly understand murky issues in an information vacuum, research skills, negotiation skills, listening, networking, respect and being able to write about complex issues in a straightforward way.

Hannah van Voorthuysen

Master of Arts in International Relations

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Plugged-in lecturers

Your lecturers are actively involved in public debates on national and international issues and are often invited to share their views on television and radio news shows. The University's Centre for Strategic Studies is rated one of the best think tanks in the Asia-Pacific region.

Only in Wellington

Get a head start on your career in International Relations at the only university in New Zealand where you can specialise in the subject from your first year.

After you graduate

Get the skills and knowledge to work as a researcher or analyst at a government agency like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or a non-government organisation like Oxfam.

With your political nous you'll be well-placed to work at Parliament, and your appreciation for the worldwide diversity of political experience can help you in your career in a multinational corporation.

Wellington is New Zealand's political and creative capital—the seat of power and home to fabulous cultural events and festivals. Visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making.

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I can chill at a café, check out a gig at the Fringe Festival or head to a show at the theatre. There's always something happening, it's got a great vibe and is a place where I'm happy to be myself and do my own thing.

Hagen Neumegen

Bachelor of Arts student in Political Science and International Relations

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Related subject areas

  • Geography

  • History

  • Law

  • Philosophy

  • Sociology