Education Studies

Education is arguably one of the greatest influences not just on personal development but on society and nations.

Education is always in the news, whether it is because of funding issues, disputes over zoning or political and religious influences in the community or in schools. John F. Kennedy said “progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource”.

Education Studies investigates how this fundamental resource is shaped. It examines social, political, cultural, economic and historical perspectives on education and delves into issues of social policy, culture, gender, work and leisure.

Education Studies is relevant to questions of justice, rights and freedom. Students often take Education Studies as a background to a graduate teaching qualification, but refer to Teaching if you want to do a Bachelor of Teaching.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Social Sciences

Education Studies can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

There are no specific subjects you need to study at secondary school to take Education Studies at Waikato.

Other subjects that may interest you

Humanities and social science subjects such as Women’s and Gender Studies, History, Labour Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology are good supporting subjects for an Education Studies major.

Career Opportunities

• Adult Education
• Community and Social Work  
• Government Policy Advice e.g. justice and equity issues  
• International Aid Agencies  
• Law and Citizens’ Advice
• Teaching  

Potential Employers

• Government Departments
• International Organisations e.g. United Nations
• Legal and Advocacy Firms
• Regional and District Councils
• Schools, Universities, Polytechnics and Research Organisations

Papers

HDCO100 Human Development
A study of the biological, psychological and social factors that are thought to explain patterns of human behaviour over the lifespan, from conception through to death.

HIST107 New Zealand Histories: Fresh Perspectives
This introductory paper provides students with an overview of New Zealand’s history from first settlement to the present. The paper showcases exciting new developments in local and international historical scholarship and engages with contemporary issues.

PCSS101 Educational Studies
An examination of the nature and role of education as a major humanities and social sciences discipline. Bicultural, historical, philosophical and sociological perspectives are applied critically to a broad spectrum of educational issues, activities and organisations.

PHIL150 The Big Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to philosophical problems in the areas of knowledge and mind, value theory, metaphysics and religion.

PSYC102 Social and Developmental Psychology
An overview of psychological research and development of the person as a social being and of the interaction between the individual and the groups, communities and global society to which we all belong.

SMST102 Media Cultures
Students explore key concepts for understanding their own media use and for critically examining the production, distribution and reception of contemporary media, including print, film, broadcasting, games and online media.

SOCY101 Introduction to Sociology
This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies.

TIKA163 Te Ao Tawhito, Te Ao Hou: Introduction to Traditional and ContemporaryMāori Society
A study of Māori myths and traditions, kinship, social organisation and customs with comparisons of traditional and contemporary Māori society, noting changes and adaptions in the cultural context.

TIKA164 Mai Tuawhakarere ki te Ao Hurihuri: Introduction to Traditional and Contemporary Māori Society
An introduction to Māori customs, practices and rituals, from pre-European contact to today. This paper investigates the dynamism of Māori cultural, socio-economic, political and spiritual values.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover social justice, sexuality, social class, Māori education, post-colonialism, computing, adult education, workers education and the history of education.