Career opportunities
In the Political Science and International Relations programme at University of Canterbury you will gain a variety of skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers both within politics and in more diverse areas such as law, business, education, and journalism. Visit the programme website for more information
Career pathways could include:
- policy analysis
- parliamentary office
- foreign affairs
- diplomacy
Get more details
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- International Relations and Humanitarian Ideals
- The Trump Era: Contemporary Issues in Politics and International Relations
- Politics of International Aid and Development
- China from Mao to Now
- Global and International Political Economy
Check out the full curriculum
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements: Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master's degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country. In some regions, like the EU/EEA, or under certain agreements, students from partner countries may also pay domestic fees.
International: 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Domestic: 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Additional Details: The 'Tuition fee total' is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points
Living costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,076-1,655 AUD / month
Funding
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Political Science and International Relations.
Available Scholarships
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant 25000 NZD, Deadline Not specified
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant Various benefits, Deadline Anytime
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant 7000 EUR, Deadline Not specified
- UC Doctoral Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant 32000 AUD, Deadline Not specified
- Brownlie Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant 5000 NZD, Deadline Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship – Provided by university, Grant 14000 NZD, Deadline Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Provided by university, Grant 14000 NZD, Deadline Not specified
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship – Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships – Independent provider, Grant 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students – Independent provider, Grant 5000 USD, Deadline 28 Aug 2026
- The PhD Prep Fellowship – Independent provider, Grant 10000 USD, Deadline 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Independent provider, Grant 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria – Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – Independent provider, Grant 1500 USD, Deadline Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Independent provider, Grant 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027
