International Relations students can spend a year in Italy and earn a double degree

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is pleased to announce a new double-degree agreement with LUISS Guido Carli University (LUISS) in Rome, Italy.

Two students are playing foosball on the lawn outside an old building at LUISS university in Rome.

Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at Te Herenga Waka will have the opportunity to also receive a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from LUISS. LUISS is a highly prestigious liberal arts college ranked 14th for Political Science in the world by QS World University Rankings.

This is the first double degree international agreement for Te Herenga Waka and represents an exciting opportunity for students majoring in International Relations to spend a year overseas and earn a second degree at the same time.

Students will graduate with two degrees after the standard three years of study. All study will be conducted in English, with the opportunity to take Italian language courses while in Rome.

“We’re excited to collaborate with another world-renowned university to provide this opportunity for our International Relations students,” says Professor Sarah Leggott, Dean of Te Wāhanga Aronui—Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Studying abroad and in Aotearoa New Zealand means getting the best of both worlds and gives our students the opportunity to develop their ideas and learn in different environments.”

Students will pay tuition fees only at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with non-tuition fees (like airfares and accommodation) covered by students.

“This is a unique opportunity for our students to get two degrees in three years and to spend some time at a prestigious European university located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” says Dr Alexander Bukh, Associate Dean (International), Te Wāhanga Aronui—Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Frankly, I really wish I could do it myself!”

The double degree programme will begin in 2024, with the first group of students spending a year in Rome starting in 2025.