Study and Careers

The role of Va'aomanū Pasifika is to teach at undergraduate, postgraduate and post-experience levels in Pacific Studies and Samoan language and to undertake research in these areas. Working with other Victoria programmes, Va'aomanū Pasifika seeks to consolidate a research culture and publications on the Pacific by Pacific and other scholars and to mentor through a group of young Pacific scholars as our future leaders.

Pacific Studies is an interdisciplinary programme of study that is international and cross-cultural in scope. Pacific Studies emphasises a Cultural Studies approach to analysing historical and contemporary phenomena, with a focus also on Pacific research methodologies and policy issues.

Samoan Studies offers the opportunity to study, understand and appreciate fa'asāmoa – Samoan culture and Samoan society. The programme emphasises language and cultural competence, with aims also to strengthen translation and interpreting skills.

Graduates with Pacific expertise are always in demand in the civil service and education sector. A Pacific Studies degree gives you the confidence to explore opportunities for self-employment in business, especially through research consultancy work and trade or resource development in the Pacific Islands. Pacific Studies gives you richness and depth of understanding in relation to Pacific motifs and characters for creative work in the visual or performing arts.

Students who graduate with a Samoan Studies degree will stand a good chance of teaching the language in New Zealand schools where Samoan is now on the curriculum. Social workers as well as other Public servants have found it beneficial to learn the language to achieve better cross-cultural communication. Society and culture courses also contribute to a much better understanding of the Samoan community in New Zealand. Opportunities are being offered in areas where the language becomes written or translated for resource development. Language and culture skills are easily transferable across a range of sectors including health, education, social work, in the justice system and in business.

For further information on career opportunities and advice, Vic Careers (Career Development and Employment) are available to assist with a wide range of queries - from the general exploration of career ideas and the career implications of subject choices, to details of specific jobs, employers, or postgraduate courses.

See also, the latest Career View publication for Pacific Studies and Samoan Studies.