Political Studies

Political Studies is about relationships that involve power, authority, influence, conflict, co-operation, selfishness and altruism.

Politics is not just what politicians do, although governments provide a large part of it. One of the basic questions we ask is "who gets what, when, and how?" Instruments of politics include discussion, propaganda, persuasion, legislation, administration, threats, bribes and the use of armed force. 

Political Studies and your career

Political Studies gives you the tools to be successful in both the public and private sectors. Our graduates have become public servants, politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, business and marketing executives, consultants, policy analysts, journalists and members of international and non-governmental organisations. Some also have careers as university staff in New Zealand and abroad, not always in Political Studies. Read more about the alumni of the department.

Study options in Political Studies

Political Studies is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and is taught by the Department of Political Studies.

You may also be interested in the Master of Professional Studies (International Relations and Human Rights) and Master of Public Policy.