A specialisation is a focused collection of courses within a programme that allows you to gain deep, targeted knowledge in a specific sub-field. Normally these courses make up more than 50 percent of a qualification, some of which lead to registration within a certain field. They may be interdisciplinary, professionally oriented, or designed to meet accreditation requirements. Specialisations often restrict elective choice in favour of a clearly defined study plan.

Completed specialisations will appear on your academic transcript.

Please see the main programme link below for further details.

Pacific Studies is a rich interdisciplinary department that aims to develop our students' knowledge and awareness of the history, diversity, and contemporary issues of the Pacific and Pacific people in the diaspora. Students learn about Pacific cultures, identities and experiences as well as explore Pacific histories, health and wellbeing, social anthropology, languages (Samoan, Cook Islands Reo, Tongan), Indigenous epistemologies, dance, and performance.
Whether you’re interested in increasing your understanding of contemporary Pacific experiences, cultural competency, language, history or politics – Pacific Studies has something for you. With lecturers who are leaders in their fields and renowned for their expertise, the courses are world-class.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

You can take advanced courses and undertake your own research in areas such as:
- Pacific politics, culture, health, economy, environment, society and history
- Pacific languages, language teaching and linguistics
- Interdisciplinary research and analysis of the Pacific and its peoples
- Pacific indigenous knowledges, expressive and performing arts, and world-views
- Migration, identity and transnational connections across the Pacific and Pacific Rim, especially in New Zealand