Gain a deep understanding of film or train in advanced film production
Pursue your passion for cinema or film production to an advanced level.
You can choose to work with our highly regarded researchers to complete a Master of Arts or PhD by thesis.
If you want to move into the film industry you can apply for the Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice). This unique 1-year qualification prepares you for work in the industry as an independent contractor.
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 (coursework)
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Focus on research
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Develop your arts practice while drawing on everything the creative capital has to offer. Our Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) is a practical, industry-focused degree that helps you develop as a creative leader.
The degree develops your mastery, craft, and practical skills, and helps you build new networks in Wellington’s creative industries. Lead an ambitious creative project over 12 months of intensive study.
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 Film at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of scholarship and study in Film, which we’ve been offering since 1991. Our Film programme is the oldest, largest, and top-ranked in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wellington is the home of Aotearoa New Zealand’s film industry and was named as a UNESCO City of Film in 2019. Wētā FX, Park Road Post Production, and 600 other film related companies are all in Wellington. The city also hosts Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, Archives New Zealand, National Library of New Zealand, and a thriving film culture scene.
Globally ranked
Our Communications and Media Studies subjects are ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
A postgraduate or industry qualification combined with work experience can help you find senior roles in sectors like film and media production, education, government policy, and film culture. This work can include film distribution, festivals, and preservation.
Graduates may also work in areas like marketing, communication, or content creation.
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.
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.
Tim Groves
Senior Lecturer
Dean Hewison
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Alfio Leotta
Associate Dean, Postgraduate
Maria Fernanda Miño
Lecturer in Film
Missy Molloy
Senior Lecturer in Film
Lala Rolls
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Paul Wolffram
Associate Professor
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.