Postgraduate Political Science –
Study politics where it happens. Combine in-depth understanding of the political process with advanced research skills and take your career to the next level.
Develop the expertise and tools needed to analyse and influence the political process. The University’s capital location means you’ll be learning at the heart of the political process and experiencing decision-making as it unfolds.
Learning from staff with international reputations, you’ll build a strong theoretical foundation and learn research skills that will set you up for future career advancement and further study.
Get a global perspective. You’ll compare political systems and stories from around the world and combine insights from a broad range of disciplines, including international relations, strategic studies, public policy, and political philosophy.
Studying in the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, you'll be part of an integrated Political Science and International Relations programme. This gives you access to a broad range of courses and research expertise.
Available qualifications
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.
Capital connections
Meet the people making policy in the public sector and in Parliament. You’ll get to hear from visiting lecturers, and you can also apply for the University's prestigious parliamentary internship
Fast-track or focus on research
You can fast-track your professional prospects with a 12-month Master in Political Science that gives you Master’s-level expertise without needing an Honours degree. You can also do the shorter, coursework-only Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science.
Or, if you want to put your research skills to work on longer-term projects, you can follow the pathway through the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Arts by thesis and PhD.
Research topics
If you're thinking of doing a research project you can check the academic staff list to see the research and teaching interests of staff.
Careers
Parliament and the public sector snap up many candidates with higher-level qualifications in political science. Others dive straight into the political machinery, working for politicians or political parties as analysts, press secretaries, media and social media advisors, speech writers and campaign managers.
Your research skills and insights into the political process can also lead to roles in corporate and state-owned Enterprises, community and not-for-profit organisations, unions and sector groups, and the media.
Community
Join a school with a focus on fostering its postgraduate community. You'll enjoy the benefits of strong relationships with staff, a thriving research culture and practical support through seminars, discussion groups and conferences.
If you're working on a thesis you'll also get a shared office.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital, right at the heart of the political process. When you want to go out there's always something on and when you want to relax the harbour and bush-clad hills await.
Scholarships
You can apply for the Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship if you're doing a full-time research-focused Master's.
If you're doing a PhD you can apply for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship.
You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
Summer Research scholarships
If you’re a third year or above, interested and skilled in research and planning to do a Master's, you can apply for a Summer Research scholarship—where you'll work with academics and an external organisation on a research project over the summer.
Tutoring
You may be able to get tutoring or marking work. To find out more, email the administrator.