|  At Victoria University of Wellington, Political Science and International Relations is a leading academic department located within the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations. Located in New Zealand’s capital city, Victoria is the ideal place to study New Zealand politics and international relations.
Established in 1939, it is the oldest department of political science in New Zealand. Today the programme teaches and researches in the broad fields of international relations, comparative politics, New Zealand politics, and political theory.
Interested in a career as a diplomat, an aid worker or serving with the United Nations? Or simply curious about the world? Victoria is the only university in New Zealand offering an undergraduate major in International Relations. Courses cover topics like political ideologies, international political economy, human rights, diplomacy, Latin American dictatorships, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Chinese politics, US presidential campaigns, US foreign policy, African politics, Māori politics, and much more.
Research projects pursued by academics in political science and international relations are many and varied. The Programme has particular strengths in the following areas because of collaborations and overlapping interests: China/East Asia/Pacific; Conflict and Security; Europe/North America; Global Governance; Immigration, Citizenship and Political Representation; New Zealand Politics; Political Economy; Political and International Relations Theory.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT Designed for students who are looking for a change in direction mid-career, but have not previously studied international relations, Victoria offers a Master of International Relations as a one year qualification which attracts students from around the world, including the United States. The core courses get students up to speed with the current theories about international relations. In addition, there are elective courses on topics that include civil wars and conflict resolution, development and aid, political economy, international and regional organisations, nationalism and diplomacy. 
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