Develop a deep practical and theoretical understanding of the ways power is exercised. Explore how conflict is managed and security maintained across the globe. You will get insights into the pressing geopolitical issues of our age, such as the relationship between the US and China, cybersecurity, the South China Sea, and strategic responses to the problems of terrorism and civil conflict.

In Master of Business (Mbus) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics we prepare students to solve the world’s problems by combining the analytical reasoning of philosophy, the social insight of political studies, and the methodological rigour of economics. Students complete a challenging course of study in logic, ethics, collective action, human behaviour, political theory, economics, and the history of ideas.

Refine your knowledge of the theory and practice of communication with a Master of Communication from Victoria University of Wellington. Draw on the University’s broad field of knowledge and expertise and focus on a unique range of subjects-from political communication and intercultural communication to media studies, popular film or music. You can also choose to focus on science communication, a specialisation unique to the Victoria University of Wellington.

The MPols is a one-year (full-time) degree, which encompasses both coursework and research. The coursework component is spread across two semesters. It consists of four papers including the core paper, 'The Political': Theory and Practice, which introduces students to the contested notion of politics and key methodological issues in theory and practice. Students also undertake a research dissertation of 20,000 words under the supervision of a politics staff member over a 12 month period and are expected to attend workshops designed to assist with the process of writing a dissertation.

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies is an inter-disciplinary Program providing students with an advanced qualification in peace and conflict studies, development and peacebuilding. Drawing upon national and international expertise in the field, this Program will position graduates for a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors as academic researchers and as practitioners and policy makers in fields such as conflict analysis and resolution, peace-building, and post-conflict transformation.

The MA by thesis

The Master of Arts (Coursework) program is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills – such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree normally requires at least one year of full-time study and entails completion of a thesis. The thesis is a major piece of supervised research on a topic of current interest.

The Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies examines the issues which produce various related social norms and sets out to produce practitioners who challenge them. The programme explores contemporary theories, methodologies and practices related to the broad field of disability and inclusion studies.

The Master of War Studies is an interdisciplinary degree focused on war and its effects. It is built around a central core of military history subjects, with additional options addressing topics in strategy, international relations, security and literature.