Master of International Trade

Gain the skills to shape trade agreements, influence policy, and navigate global economic relationships. Study a multidisciplinary programme that integrates legal, economic, political, and cultural insights.

Advance as a trade policy professional

Build your career in trade policy with the Master of International Trade at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Through this multidisciplinary programme, you’ll develop advanced expertise in trade law and in the economic, political, and social dimensions of international trade.

Address the challenges facing producers and exporters in the global market. Tackle issues impacting both traditional and digital commerce, and confront the realities of climate change. Study the impact of trade on Indigenous populations, including the historical and contemporary roles of Māori in international trade.

Explore all of these issues through different disciplinary lenses and gain a well-rounded view of the evolving trade landscape. The multidisciplinary nature of the MIntTr means that it's open to students from all academic backgrounds. You’ll be well prepared for a wide range of trade policy roles.

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.

Learn from experts with wide-ranging knowledge

With our Master of International Trade, you benefit from a multidisciplinary education built on internationally recognised excellence. Learn from world-renowned lecturers with strong reputations for teaching, research, and publishing.

Courses are taught by staff from four faculties:

• Faculty of Law
• Wellington School of Business and Government
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Delving into international relations, economics, law, public policy, and development studies, you’ll gain a broad-based understanding of this field.

Globally ranked

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is recognised worldwide for achieving high standards in our key disciplines. In the QS World University Rankings, our Law programme features in the top 100 globally. The QS World University Rankings is an independent annual publication that evaluates over 1,500 universities around the world.

Programme structure

The Master of International Trade is a 180-point programme made up of four core [courses] totalling 120 points and further elective courses totalling 60 points.

The 30-point Multidisciplinary Approaches to International Trade course ties together ideas from law, economics, Māori studies, international relations, political economy, and development studies. Additional core courses worth a total of 90 points build on this foundation. You can choose the remaining 60 points of elective courses from a wide range of subjects to match your interests.

Choose your timeframe

The Master of International Trade is a flexible qualification with three study pathways. Choose the timeframe that matches your study goals and other commitments:

• intensive—1 year
• balanced—1.5 years
• flexible—up to 3 years.

Most students start in Trimester 1, but you can begin your studies in any trimester.

Intensive—1 year

This study schedule is best if you can commit to intensive study and want to finish quickly.

• Full-time study across three consecutive trimesters
• Core courses in first two trimesters
• Electives start in Trimester 2 with limited flexibility in Trimester 3
• Heavier workload.

Balanced—1.5 years

This study schedule is best if you want more flexibility in choosing courses, while completing the degree in a reasonable time.

• Full-time study across four consecutive trimesters
• Core courses in first two trimesters
• Electives start in Trimester 2 with an option to top up in Trimester 3
• Final electives in Trimester 1 of following year.

Flexible—up to 3 years

This study schedule is best if you want to balance study with work or other commitments.

• Part-time study spread across multiple years
• Start with two core courses in first year
• Choose when to take other core courses and electives.

Build your network

Learn from staff with global expertise in international trade and strong links to leading trade organisations, government agencies, and industry bodies—both internationally and in Wellington. Gain practical, first-hand insights from visiting trade scholars, practitioners, negotiators, and policy experts.

Join a vibrant international community of professionals and graduates. Engage in discussions with peers from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of international trade.

Careers

A Master of International Trade will open doors to a career as an international trade policy specialist in public agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organisations around the world.

Community

Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—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 Research skills sessions.

The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) and the VUW Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA) can give you information and provide a voice for you on campus. Find out about VUWSA Find out about VUW PGSA

Live and study in New Zealand’s creative, compact, and vibrant capital. Benefit from the University’s capital-city location and links with government and industry organisations. And take advantage of opportunities to hear from expert guest lecturers.

Find out about how and what you’ll study on the Master of International Trade programme.

What you’ll study

The Master of International Trade is made up of four core [courses] totalling 120 points and further elective courses totalling 60 points.

Core courses

At the heart of the programme is a 30-point course on Multidisciplinary Approaches to International Trade. This course ties together ideas from law, economics, Māori studies, international relations, political economy, and development studies. You’ll examine key economic models and frameworks, digital trade, climate change, and cross-border legal regulation with both academic staff and invited guest lecturers.

Additional core courses worth a total of 90 points build on this foundation.

You’ll study international trade law to understand treaties, dispute resolution, and regulatory issues. You’ll also explore international political economy to learn about global financial systems and the forces driving trade.

An economics course, focusing on either micro or macro perspectives, helps you apply these principles in real-world settings. There is also a project-based course that allows you to investigate a trade-related topic in depth.

Elective courses

You can choose elective courses from a range of related fields, such as geography, the environment, and Māori studies. You can tailor your learning to match your interests and career goals. If you’d like more details about pre-approved courses, get in touch with the programme director.

How you’ll study

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, class discussions, and meetings with course teachers and the programme director, as well as through your own independent study and research.