The University of Auckland's Department of Political Studies is one of the leading politics departments in Australasia. Our staff's research expertise covers a wide range of areas, including international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy, media and politics, as well as New Zealand and regional politics, culminating in a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in a stimulating research environment.

For course information refer to the Political Studies Subject Page.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Fourth Oceanic Conference on International Studies at the University of Auckland, 30 Jun -2 Jul 2010

Political Studies Student Prize Giving

Scholarships Successes for Political Studies

Dr Jian Yang visits Nanjing University's Johns Hopkins Centre for Chinese and American Cultural Studies
 

Seminars hosted by the Department of Political Studies

Women in Politics Monthly Morning Tea

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2010 Courses

Why study Politics?

Studying politics will provide you with the necessary tools for successful careers in the public, private and community sectors. A number of our former students have gone on to careers in New Zealand and overseas universities, Parliament and government, public service (eg, Treasury and Foreign Affairs), the private sector (eg, law, media, advertising and public relations), and community and international organisations. As well as offering a wide range of undergraduate courses, we have an exciting postgraduate programme that is both student-focused and research-led. 

Why Politics at Auckland?

Located in the centre of New Zealand's largest and most multicultural city, our department occupies three beautiful nineteenth century houses. Our alumni include graduates from all over the world, and prominent political figures in New Zealand and Australia, including Helen Clark, Winston Peters, Sue Kedgley, Murray McCully, Phil Goff and the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann - to name only a few. Our courses continue to provide a quality foundation for anyone interested in either politics generally or in specialised, politically oriented careers.

"The skills I gained, the knowledge I acquired, and the networks I became part of during my time studying politics at Auckland University have all had a marked influence on my adult life and on my abililty to perform effectively in one of the country's more demanding occupations.... Fellow students have made their mark in business, education, the law, diplomacy, the civil service and community affairs." 

Rt Hon. Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1999-2008

More comments from Alumni on studying Politics at our Department

Ranking

*No. 1 ranking politics department in New Zealand. Based on 2006 Performance Based Research Funding (PBRF) results for subject areas, Tertiary Education Commission, New Zealand.
 

*New Zealand's pre-eminent and most research-active faculty of arts, ranked among the top 50 Arts faculties in the world. Times Higher Education World University Rankings (http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk), October 2009.
 

*New Zealand's leading University, ranked among top 100 universities in the world. Times Higher Education World University Rankings (http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk), October 2009.