Understand Aotearoa New Zealand’s politics
Examine New Zealand’s political institutions, processes, and the people who take part—from Parliament and political parties to protest movements and iwi governance.
You’ll explore who exercises power in New Zealand, how Te Tiriti o Waitangi influences public life, and how local politics interacts with global forces and events. Study the relationship between kāwanatanga and tino rangatiratanga, and investigate issues like inequality, participation in our democracy, and constitutional transformation.
You’ll learn to be a politically engaged citizen and gain skills to apply in your career.
Why Wellington
As New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is the seat of power. That makes it perhaps the best place in the country to study politics.
Here you can visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, attend Question Time, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making. The University's Wellington location and strong ties with the public sector make it easier to build networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies.
You’ll have the chance to listen to guest lectures from leaders in the public service, policy professionals, and government ministers.
Choose your study path
You can study Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Politics.
By majoring in Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand within this three-year degree, you’re signalling that you’re a political expert. You might take this path if you’re aiming for roles in government, political parties, or policy analysis.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Subjects in the Bachelor of Politics
Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand is one of six subjects you can study as a major within the Bachelor of Politics.
You can combine a major in Politics of Aotearoa New Zealand with a related major subject—a double major. Related subjects include:
- International Relations
- Political Communication
- Political Science
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
- Public Policy.
Future careers
The knowledge of New Zealand’s politics, and the research, communication, and critical analysis skills you develop, are valuable for a career in fields like:
- government
- public service and policy analysis
- academic research or teaching
- roles in NGOs and not-for-profit organisations
- journalism.
In a government agencies, your first roles could be in an administration or coordination role. From there, you might progress to an adviser or senior adviser role in a policy team, or work in stakeholder relations, communications, or in research analyst or advisory roles.
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 first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
-
This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our Political Science and International Relations subjects are ranked in the top 150 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.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
Postgraduate Political Science
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study for a Master's.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.