Course details

Summary

Fast-track your career with a 12-month Master of Political Science. This gives you Master’s-level expertise without needing an Honours degree. You can also do the shorter, coursework-only Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science. Study politics where it happens. Located in New Zealand's capital city, the programme gives you a close-up view of the political process.

You'll also get an international perspective. The programme is global in scope. You’ll learn how to compare and contrast how politics works in New Zealand with other countries around the world. You can include courses from related disciplines like international relations, strategic studies and public policy.

Make use of the programme's connections in the capital and around the world. You’ll get the chance to apply for Victoria University's prestigious Parliamentary Internship, along with the China Field Study and the Japan Field Study, which run every second year.

What you’ll study

You'll develop the core knowledge needed to understand political systems, policy processes and government in New Zealand and around the world. You’ll also hone your ability to design, interpret and apply political science research.

You’ll be able to choose from a range of courses spanning political thought, leadership, representation, political participation and political action. You can complement your Political Science courses with approved International Relations and Strategic Studies courses.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the School. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics.

Entry criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following:

• Appropriate Bachelor’s degree at or around GPA 6 or above or extensive relevant experience
• Acceptance by the programme coordinator as capable of proceeding with 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).