Postgraduate study

A range of postgraduate study options are offered by the School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences.

Subjects on offer

Students can choose from the following subjects:

Research links

The School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences offers world-class teaching and research in Wellington, New Zealand’s science capital.

Our university has strong links with the many Wellington-based Crown Research Institutes. The School works closely with scientists at GNS Science, Te Papa, and NIWA. Many postgraduate students have their research projects co-supervised by scientists from these institutes and benefit from their expertise and the state-of-the-art facilities available to them.

Our research collaborations with other New Zealand and overseas universities, research institutes, and technology companies sees the School well placed in the international science community.

The School’s academic staff are highly committed to the success of their students and take a personal interest in the progress of each one.

Information about degrees

Graduate Certificate in Science (GCertSc)

The 60-point Graduate Certificate in Science (GCertSc) is a one-trimester Certificate for students who already have a degree in another subject, but who wish to pursue further study in science. It may also be taken part time over two trimesters. The GCertSc can be a pathway to studying postgraduate programmes.

With the GCertSc, you can specialise in a number of different subjects—the same subjects offered as majors in the GDipSc.

Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc)

The 120-point Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc) is a one-year programme for students who already have a degree in another subject, but who wish to pursue further study in science. It may also be taken part time for up to four years. The GDipSc is ideal preparation for postgraduate programmes.

The GDipSc may be endorsed with the name of the subject major—for example, GDipSc in Geology. The School offers the GDipSc in:

  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology.

More information about the GDipSc is available here.

Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc)

A Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) consists of 60 points at 400-level and may be completed in one trimester (full time) or up to two years (part time). The Certificate has the same entry requirements as the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, and it allows you to choose from the same range of subjects.

To find out more about studying the PGCertSc, contact one of our Student Success team.

The PGCertSc is offered in:

  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Physical Geography.

Specialist programme

In addition, the School offers a Postgraduate Certificate in:

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc)

A Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) is a one year (full time) or up to four years (part time) programme for those who wish to extend their BSc with a coursework qualification. The PGDipSc is offered in:

  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics.

More information about the Postgraduate Diploma is available on the Wellington Faculty of Science website.

Specialist programmes

In addition, the School offers a Postgraduate Diploma in:

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))

A Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)), is a one year (full time) programme of coursework with a research project. It generally allows students to progress directly to PhD study. The School offers the degree with majors in:

  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics.

An Honours degree follows an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and is designed to provide students with depth in a specialised field.

A research project is an important part of the year’s work and is a good opportunity for further study in a selected topic. The project also provides practical training in research methods, an evaluation of published research and experience of the scientific process.

Master’s

Master of Science (MSc)

An MSc is a research degree consisting of two parts and is normally completed in two calendar years. Part 1 (the first year) involves three courses of 30 points each and a research preparation course. Part 2 (the second year) is a full-time research project, leading to a thesis.

The School offers the MSc in:

  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Physical Geography

More information about the MSc is available on the Wellington Faculty of Science website.

Specialist Master’s programmes

In addition the School offers the following specialist Master's programmes:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is the highest degree offered by the School and usually takes three to four years to complete. It is an internationally recognised research degree in the scientific community and opens up rich and varied career opportunities.

Formal assessment of the PhD degree is by means of a thesis and an oral examination, but progress reports and seminars are also required during the course. Students must have a BSc (Hons), Masters, or equivalent degree to be admitted to the PhD programme.

The Faculty of Graduate Research is the initial contact point for all PhD students. Please visit their website for all queries, including available funding, the role of a supervisor and the application process. The Faculty provides ongoing support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

PhD students are encouraged to apply for a range of scholarships offered by the School, the University and other providers.

More information about the PhD is available on the Wellington Faculty of Science website.

Postgraduate coordinators

If you are interested in postgraduate study in our School, please contact the relevant Postgraduate Coordinator or Programme Director. More information is available on our Contact Us page.