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For the people who want to stand out and fit in

For the people who want to stand out and fit in

Why study Social Sciences?

The social sciences provide you with the tools to add value to society and to confront the more challenging topics of the modern world.

Our nationally and internationally recognised lecturers are at the forefront of their fields, exploring real-world issues that are relevant to society today. With a dynamic curriculum that is focused on fostering a diversity of skills and experiences, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to excel in their careers and make a difference in the world.

New in 2024

Our exciting new Criminology major will be available for students in Hamilton, Tauranga and online from Trimester A 2024. Students will gain an extensive understanding of how society responds to criminal conduct, the underlying reasons for criminality, and how social discourse and relationships influence the perception of the criminal justice system.

Criminology

Get extra support with our broad range of scholarships

With our flexible teaching options you can study on-campus (Hamilton, Tauranga) or online

Learn from award winning professors

Commitment to high-quality research

Explore a wide range of programmes

Our students can work alongside top-rated teachers and internationally respected scholars, across nine majors.

Offered by Te Ngira, Institute for Population Research:

Choose from a variety of degrees

These majors can be taken towards a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Climate Change or a Bachelor of Social Sciences. Te Kura Aronui School of Social Sciences also offers the Bachelor of Environmental Planning.

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Climate Change

Bachelor of Environmental Planning

Bachelor of Global Studies

Bachelor of Social Sciences

Ready for the next level

Ready for the next level?

Enrolling in one of our postgraduate qualifications gives you the opportunity to engage in independent (but supervised) research in one or more of a wide range of subjects. Our subjects include: Anthropology, Geography, Environment & Society, Environmental Planning, History, International Relations & Security Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Policy, Population Studies and Demography (Te Ngira, Institute for Population Research).

Master of Arts

Master of Environment and Society

Master of Environmental Planning

Master of Social Sciences

Articles

Social atlas provides valuable insights into changing population

A social atlas developed at the University of Waikato is the first of its kind in New Zealand – and researchers say it paints a unique picture of our changing demographics.

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Leading academics awarded Emeritus Professor titles

The University of Waikato has awarded two of its leading academics the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor for their contributions  to the University and their fields of expertise.

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Scholarship winner looking to the future of the environment

This year’s Artemis Scholarship recipient is keen to use her degree to help iwi mitigate negative impacts on the environment as a result of increased development.

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University of Waikato joins international Climate Alliance

The University of Waikato has joined an international coalition of around 50 of the world’s top climate research universities with a shared vision to be a global source of trusted communication of climate research.

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Sharing better: Connecting policy makers in Wales and New Zealand

Around the world environmental policy makers and land management practitioners are facing similar challenges. In the age of zoom and common environmental problems, how can policy makers team up with their counterparts in similar countries to talk through what’s worked for them and what hasn’t?

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