Master of Migration Studies

Take an in-depth look at the causes and effects of migration with postgraduate study and boost your career opportunities.

Migration is increasingly a high-priority issue for governments and organisations around the world. Explore the social, economic, and political drivers and consequences of forced and voluntary migration.

Drawing on several disciplines, including political science, geography, and history, you'll discover why and how migration happens and gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities it creates. You can choose to examine topics such as the refugee crisis in Europe, labour migration, multiculturalism and immigration as an election issue.

27,100

According to Statistics New Zealand, Aotearoa New Zealand had a net migration gain of 27,100 in 2024. This was down from a net gain of 128,300 in 2023. There were 155,800 migrant arrivals in 2024, down from 229,900 in 2023 and a provisional record 128,700 migrant departures in 2024, up from 101,600 in 2023.

Will migration to New Zealand and around the world return to pre-COVID levels of immigration? Will we see significant re-sets in immigration patterns? What causes brain drain and brain gain? Who will continue to move around the world, and whose movements will be restricted?

Learning across disciplines

You'll not only gain an in-depth understanding of migration issues, you'll develop your critical thinking, communications, and research skills.

If you're a Master's student, you may have the opportunity to do an internship with an organisation involved in migration policy, research or practice. Or you can choose to complete a 60-point research project instead. Take the opportunity to contribute your own perspectives to the study of migration.

In the heart of it

In the capital city of Wellington, you'll be at the centre of immigration policy and decision-making. Take advantage of the University's links with national organisations that deal with migration such as Immigration New Zealand and the New Zealand Red Cross.

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.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.

You'll have opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Seminars skills sessions.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. You'll be immersed in a cosmopolitan city that's home to thousands of immigrant workers, foreign students and resettled refugees, so you'll be able to observe immigration policy and practice in action.

Careers

People with an in-depth knowledge of migration issues are increasingly in demand in governments, NGOs, media, and research organisations. You'll be able to apply your understanding of migration in a wide range of professions such as policy analysis, research, international development, community development, and refugee resettlement.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

PhD study

If you do well in your Master's research, you may also be able to continue your academic studies with a PhD in one of the disciplines that examines migration and its impacts.

You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.

The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study.

Contact the postgraduate programme director about available supervision before you apply.

Find out about your options for postgraduate Migration Studies qualifications and discover what and how you'll study.

Qualification family structure

The Master of Migration is part of a tiered family of qualifications:

• Master of Migration Studies
• Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Migration Studies

Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints and financial situation.

Staircasing allows movement in both directions—if you begin by enrolling in the Certificate or Diploma programme you can continue on to complete your Master's. Or if you enrol in the Master's but can't complete it, for whatever reason, you may be awarded the Certificate or Diploma.

What you'll study

The Master of Migration is divided into Part 1 and Part 2.

In Part 1 you'll complete four 30-point courses and you'll have some choice in what you study. In the core course—Approaches to Migration Studies POLS 488—you'll examine how migration is analysed, study the main concepts, theories, and debates, and prepare a research proposal. In your elective courses you might focus on a particular historical migration flow, explore the challenges of refugee resettlement in New Zealand, study the international or domestic politics of migration or choose to complete an individual research project.

In the second half of your studies, or Part 2, you'll complete a 60-point research essay that builds on your research proposal in Part 1 of the programme. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to complete an internship and research at a workplace involved in migration.

If you're doing the Diploma, you'll complete Part 1 of the Master's.

Certificate students complete the core course in Part 1 and choose one further course from the MMigS programme.

How you'll learn

For most of your courses you'll attend one three-hour seminar each week that will include classroom discussions and sometimes student presentations.

You'll also complete your own self-directed research under the guidance of your supervisor. You'll meet with them regularly to discuss your progress.

Duration and workload

The MMigS can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study, or in two years part time. You'll need to finish the degree within three years of enrolling.

The PGDipMigS takes two trimesters of full-time study or can be studied over four trimesters part time.

You can complete the PGCertMigS in one trimester, or over two trimesters part time.

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.

The starting date is usually Trimester 1, but Trimester 2 entry is possible with the Programme Director's permission.

Duration and workload

The MMigS can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study. You'll need to finish the degree within three years of enrolling.

The PGDipMigS takes two trimesters of full-time study.

You can complete the PGCertMigS in one trimester.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.

The starting date is usually Trimester 1, but Trimester 2 entry is possible with the Programme Director's permission.