Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science

This Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science program from Victoria University of Wellington will help youdevelop the core knowledge needed to understand political systems, policy processes and government in New Zealand and around the world. You’ll also hone your ability to design, interpret and apply political science research.

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 program gives you a close-up view of the political process.

You'll also get an international perspective. ThePostgraduate 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 program'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.

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