Postgraduate Pacific Studies

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Pacific Studies program at Victoria University of Wellington equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the Pacific region's history, culture, society, politics, and economics. Through a combination of theoretical and practical approaches, students develop critical thinking skills, research methods, and expertise to make meaningful contributions to the Pacific region. The program offers various qualifications, including Graduate Diploma, Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's, and PhD, and provides opportunities for internships, research, and engagement with Pacific communities.

Program Outline

Postgraduate Pacific Studies - Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Overview:

• Objectives:
• Build a profound understanding of the Pacific's past influences and its future possibilities.
• Develop expertise to make a meaningful contribution to the Pacific region.
• Gain valuable knowledge of the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific.
• Develop theoretical and research methods for studying the Pacific.
• Analyze practical policy issues relevant to the Pacific region.
• Program Description:
• Students learn from respected and award-winning staff with expertise in various disciplines.
• Utilize tools and approaches from a range of disciplines to explore the Pacific's history, culture, society, politics, and economics.
• Analyze historical, cultural, social, political, and economic diversity of the Pacific.
• Develop critical thinking skills and theoretical frameworks for analyzing the Pacific region.
• Engage with practical policy issues and real-world challenges facing the Pacific.

Outline:

• Content:
• Pacific history, culture, society, politics, and economics.
• Theoretical approaches and research methodologies for studying the Pacific.
• Practical policy issues relevant to the Pacific region.
• Specific areas of study may include Pacific migration, development, environment, governance, and more.
• Structure:
• Each program may have its own specific structure and course requirements.
• Course Schedule:
• Course schedules vary depending on the specific program and chosen courses.
• Modules:

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• The program may utilize a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Essays
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Examinations
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Specific assessment methods may vary depending on the program and individual courses.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Assessment criteria will be based on the learning outcomes of each course and program.
• Criteria may include:
• Depth of knowledge and understanding of the Pacific region.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
• Effective communication skills.
• Research and writing skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Group discussions
• Fieldwork
• Independent research
• Interactive and engaging teaching methods are used to promote student learning and participation.
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by highly qualified and experienced staff with expertise in Pacific studies.
• Staff members are actively involved in research and have a strong commitment to teaching and student success.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program utilizes a unique approach that combines theoretical and practical elements.
• Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world issues and challenges facing the Pacific region.
• The program also emphasizes cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
• Graduates with an in-depth understanding of Pasifika peoples are in high demand in various sectors.
• Potential career paths include:
• Public sector, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Not-for-profit sector, working with community organizations and social enterprises.
• Creative and cultural sectors, including museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
• Education sector, teaching Pacific studies at various levels.
• Health and social work, providing services to Pacific communities.
• Trade, tourism, and development sectors, working with Pacific businesses and organizations.
• Research and academia, pursuing further research and scholarship in Pacific studies.
• Opportunities:
• Graduates can work in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, or around the world.
• The program opens up opportunities to work with diverse communities and contribute to meaningful change.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates develop the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a positive impact in the Pacific region.

Other:

• Internships:
• Honours and Postgraduate Diploma students can undertake internships with public or private sector organizations focusing on Pacific issues.
• Connections:
• Students benefit from being located in Wellington, the political center of New Zealand.
• The program provides access to:
• Parliament
• Government agencies working with Pacific communities
• Pacific Islands High Commissions
• Representatives from civil society
• Students can build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.
• Va'aomanū Pasifika:
• Students benefit from extensive links with the Pacific community locally, nationally, and regionally.
• Research:
• Postgraduate Students' Association:
• Location:
• Students can live and study in Wellington, New Zealand's creative, compact, and multicultural capital with vibrant Pacific Island communities.
• Easy access to cultural attractions like Te Papa, Archives New Zealand, and the Alexander Turnbull Library.
• Regular Pacific festivals and performances.
• Scholarships:
• Tutoring:
• Postgraduate students can apply to tutor undergraduate courses.