Course details

Summary

Combine philosophy, politics and economics in this unique Master's degree and prepare for a career making change in politics, government or related fields.

In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world we need more thinkers who can grasp the dynamics of politics and society people who can help create stronger and more effective government.

The one-year 180-point Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (MPPE) combines three complementary disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the world and social decision-making. Study the only postgraduate programme of its kind in New Zealand, and get a head start in your career in politics, government or the public service.

Learning across disciplines

Studying philosophy will develop your skills in logical reasoning and knowledge of ethics. Economics will teach you what drives people and organisations to make the decisions they do and the effect those choices have. And politics will give you a knowledge of political institutions and processes, and the impact they have on society. Combining these disciplines will give you a well-rounded range of practical and theoretical skills relevant to government.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

Although the MPPE is a professionally focused Master's, if you have a strong research background you may be able to apply to do a PhD.

You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from highly regarded academics in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

How you’ll learn

You'll study for your MPPE in two parts. In Part 1 you'll complete the 30-point core course Philosophy, Politics and Economics MPPE 401, and a further five courses from the individual disciplines.

In Part 2 you'll do a 30-point research project that builds on what you've studied in Part 1. You'll also complete a 160-hour internship in a relevant workplace so you can begin to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

Most of your courses will be taught through 12 two-hour seminars. For your research project you'll meet with your supervisor for one to two hours each week.

If you only complete Part 1 of the programme, you may be able to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.

Entry criteria

To be accepted into this programme you'll need:

• A Bachelor's degree with a B average or better
• To have completed at least 40 points at 300 level in Economics, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, Political Science or Public Policy
• To be accepted by the programme director as being capable of completing the proposed course of study

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).