Overview

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 .

Key Facts

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science program from Victoria University of Wellington 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 the University's prestigious Parliamentary Internship, along with the China Field Study and the Japan Field Study, which run every second year.

You can choose to study the taught courses only and get a PGDipPols. If you later complete the research courses you receive your MPols in place of the PGDipPols.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Approaches to Comparative Political Science

Selected Topic in Political Theory: Collisions and Coexistence: The Politics of Encounter in Diverse and Unequal Societies

Media, Politics and Campaigns

Political Leadership: Theory and Practice

Special Topic: Politics, State and Society in the Pacific Islands

Special Topic: Japan Field Study: Border Studies in Japan

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-20 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-02-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-21 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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PTE Academic

58

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Disciplines

Political Science View 22 other Masters in Political Science in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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PTE Academic

58

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Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate diploma in Political Science, International Relations or Public Policy, with at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject or or relevant area of study

To be accepted by the programme coordinator as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Victoria University of Wellington and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38300 NZD / year

≈ 38300 NZD / year

Living costs

Wellington

New Zealand

1000 - 2300 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key Facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Living costs

Wellington

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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