Gain a deeper understanding of humanity
Build on your understanding of cultural diversity and discover new ways to address today's compelling social issues.
Develop advanced skills in ethnographic methods—from participant observation and interviewing to visual analysis and participatory action research—within a research community working across six continents on topics including environment, indigeneity, health, migration, food, conflict, and ethics.
You’ll leave with the research skills, academic networks, and analytical depth to work at a senior level—in academia, policy, international development, or wherever rigorous thinking about people and culture is needed.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study postgraduate Cultural Anthropology with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
Graduate Certificate in Arts
Graduate Diploma in Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Master of Arts (by coursework)
Focus on research
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Master of Arts (by thesis)
Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Cultural Anthropology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of study and scholarship—we’ve been offering Cultural Anthropology since 1965 and we’re the top programme in the country. As one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most culturally diverse cities, Wellington is an ideal place study anthropology. The communities, conversations, and tensions that anthropologists study aren't abstract here—they are our everyday life.
The city's migrant communities, visible queer culture, history of activism, and connections to government give you a living context for the ideas you’ll encounter in our classes. Wellington also takes food, art, and ideas seriously. Anthropology recognises that these things matter for our understanding of the world.
As the capital, Wellington also sits at the centre of the policy and public sector networks where many of our graduates find work. That gives you access to the kinds of organisations, internships, and professional connections that are harder to find elsewhere in the country.
Future careers
Postgraduate Cultural Anthroplogy helps you build cultural awareness, analytical thinking, and the ability to work across cultures—skills that are valued in every field.
These skills, along with understanding belief systems, influences, and communication make graduates valuable across many different industries.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Dr Sheena Hudson PhD Scholarship
This scholarship supports a student studying part time for a PhD in Cultural Anthropology.
Other scholarships
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship is for students who have been accepted into the MA programme at the International Institute of Modern Letters. Applicants must provide a written overview of the work they intend to undertake during their MA study. It will be established that the work being undertaken by the applicant does not infringe upon any copyright law.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in Creative Writing supports a student who has been accepted into the MA in Creative Writing. With one application deadline each year.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
-
The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Brigitte Bonisch-Brednich
Council Member
Eli Elinoff
Associate Professor
Jacs Forde
Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology
Leila Foster
Assistant Lecturer
Lorena Gibson
Senior Lecturer
Corinna Howland
Lecturer
Sumin Myung
Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology
Amir Sayadabdi
Senior Lecturer
Paola Tiné
Senior Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.