Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Combine philosophy, politics, and economics in this unique Master's degree and prepare for a career making change in politics, government, or related fields.

In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world we need more thinkers who can grasp the dynamics of politics and society—people who can help create stronger and more effective government.

The one-year 180-point Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (MPPE) combines three complementary disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the world and social decision-making. Study the only postgraduate programme of its kind in New Zealand, and get a head start in your career in politics, government, or the public service.

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 or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Discover the Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (MPPE)

Learning across disciplines

Studying philosophy will develop your skills in logical reasoning and knowledge of ethics. Economics will teach you what drives people and organisations to make the decisions they do and the effect those choices have. And politics will give you a knowledge of political institutions and processes, and the impact they have on society. Combining these disciplines will give you a well-rounded range of practical and theoretical skills relevant to government.

From the vantage point of New Zealand’s capital city, you'll learn to critically examine concepts around politics, liberty and justice, and study the principles of micro- and macro-economics, and global governance and finance.

Through your Master's study, you'll become skilled in oral and written communication and learn to apply critical and reflective thinking, logic and persuasion to solve problems.

Research and internship

Your studies will build towards completing your own independent research project. Examine an area of interest under supervision from world-class academics.

You'll also have the opportunity to complete an internship that will build on what you have learnt. You'll be placed in a workplace such as a government ministry or other agency where you'll gain real-world experience and valuable insights into the workings of government.

International connections

Take advantage of the University's connections around the world including the opportunity to apply for a US congressional internship once you graduate.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

If you have a strong research background, you may be able to apply to do a PhD after completing the MPPE. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from our highly regarded academics. Find out more about PhD study in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

As a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR), which also handles all applications.

Before applying, you should talk to the programme director about available supervision.

Discover what and how you'll study for the Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

How you’ll learn

You'll study for your MPPE in two parts. In Part 1 you'll complete the 30-point core course Philosophy, Politics and Economics PHPE 401, and a further five courses from the individual disciplines.

In Part 2 you'll do a 30-point research project that builds on what you've studied in Part 1. You'll also complete a 160-hour internship in a relevant workplace so you can begin to put your skills and knowledge into practice.

Most of your courses will be taught through 12 two-hour seminars. For your research project you'll meet with your supervisor for one to two hours each week.

If you only complete Part 1 of the programme, you may be able to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.

Duration and workload

You'll study for your MPPE over three trimesters, or one calendar year. If you're studying part time, you're likely to take two years, and must complete the degree within three years of enrolling.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Duration and workload

You'll study for your MPPE over three trimesters, or one calendar year.

You can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.