Bachelor of Social Sciences
The Bachelor of Social Sciences challenges your thinking about the world and its people. You'll explore contemporary social issues, human interactions, and how these can be understood, monitored, and influenced to create meaningful change.
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Bachelor of Social Sciences?
The Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc) provides expert-led education from one of three key areas, depending on your chosen area of interest or major.
- Te Wānanga o Ngā Kete | Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences
- Te Kura Toi Tangata | School of Education
- Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies
As a BSocSc student, you will explore the key drivers behind human behaviour and societal actions. You’ll develop critical analysis skills, research capabilities, and the ability to gather, analyse, and report information. These skills will equip you for informed decision-making under the guidance of leading researchers. The BSocSc also adopts a practical approach with subject-specific experiences and opportunities available.
Graduates will shape the societies of tomorrow, developing a deep understanding of social forces, economics, and politics while driving meaningful change.
Career Opportunities
- Employment Relations Advocate
- Iwi or Māori Resource Development Officer
- Community Health Worker
- Diplomat
- Environmental Consultant
- Human resources manager
- Policy Analyst
- Social Services Advocate
- Youth or Family Worker
- Ethics Advisor
360 points, 3 years
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
Browse BSocSc subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
See below for majors available in Tauranga.
Minor subjects Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
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Entry Requirements There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
You will be eligible to apply for this degree if you have University Entrance and meet any additional requirements for the qualification. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the Catalogue of Papers carefully.
If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact recruitment@waikato.ac.nz as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,183 - $8,290 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$30,895 - $40,220 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
See below for majors available in Tauranga.
Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
You will be eligible to apply for this degree if you have University Entrance and meet any additional requirements for the qualification. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the Catalogue of Papers carefully.
If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact recruitment@waikato.ac.nz as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Estimated fees
$7,183 - $8,290 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$30,895 - $40,220 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Study in Tauranga
Students can complete all three years of the Bachelor of Social Sciences in Tauranga, with major options in the following subjects.
Choose the area to study the Bachelor of Social Sciences
Depending on your interests, the following three areas are available to choose to study your BScoSc with.
Te Wānanga o Ngā Kete Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences
Studying the BScoSc under the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences, you will explore the drivers and influences behind human behaviour and societal actions. You'll develop critical analysis skills, research capabilities, and the ability to gather, analyse, and report information—equipping yourself for informed decision-making under the expert guidance of world-recognised researchers.
Graduates will contribute to shaping the societies of tomorrow, armed with the ability to look beyond preconceptions, understand the interplay between social forces, economics, and politics, and drive meaningful change. A BSocSc will challenge your understanding of the world and its people.
We offer a range of exciting subjects and specialisations to choose from.
Five of our major subjects are ranked among the top 350 in the world (QS Rankings).
Te Kura Toi Tangata | School of Education
The Bachelor of Social Sciences with the School of Education will help you to develop expertise in lifelong learning, education, community development, and workplace learning. You'll explore contemporary social issues, ethics, and sustainability while gaining skills in research, analysis, and decision-making.
Guided by experienced lecturers, you’ll learn to understand and interpret social and educational trends in Aotearoa and beyond. The programme equips you with practical knowledge and critical thinking skills that can be applied across various professional settings.
Graduates are highly sought after in industries such as health, education, policy development, and government. With a strong foundation in theory and real-world application, you'll be prepared to make a meaningful impact in diverse sectors.
Major Subjects
Minor Subjects
along with core papers on teaching and learning.
Practical experience
As well as developing skills in class within the School of Education's Social Sciences degree, all students have the opportunity to apply and extend their learning in a community work placement at 300 level.
Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies
Studying the Bachelor of Social Sciences degree with the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies will help you to develop an appreciation of indigenous and global issues such as languages, treaties, resource management, sovereignty and equality, which are all integral in today’s multicultural world. Couple these learnings with an insight into Tikanga Māori practices to equip you for the diverse workforce in New Zealand and abroad.
You can choose from our subject majors of:
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours
Requirements
The Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (BSocSc(Hons)) involves two semesters of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. The BSocSc(Hons) comprises 120 points at 500 level, of which 30 points must be in research, normally a 30 point dissertation or an approved equivalent. The BSocSc(Hons) is awarded with classes of honours.
Entry
In general, to be admitted to the BSocSc(Hons) you must have a B grade average in the 300 level papers of your undergraduate major subject. You need to have majored in the same subject for your undergraduate degree as that in which you intend to enrol at graduate level. In some cases, a substantial undergraduate supporting subject may be a sufficient prerequisite.
A number of the graduate subjects/programmes are interdisciplinary in nature and may accept students with appropriate undergraduate majors in other relevant subjects. Admission criteria may vary so please consult the appropriate programme Graduate Adviser for their specific admission criteria.
BSocSc(Hons) Subjects:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Education and Society
- Environmental Planning
- Geography
- History
- Human Development
- Māori and Indigenous Studies
- Pacific and Indigenous Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Population Studies and Demography
- Public Policy
- Resources and Environmental Planning
- Social Policy
- Sociology
Political Science
International Relations and Security Studies, although not available for honours, may be taken as a subject for the Postgraduate Diploma.
Flexibility
You may take up to 60 points from other subjects, of which up to 30 points may be taken from outside the subjects listed for the degree. You should discuss your intended programme of study with the Graduate Adviser in each of the Faculties or Schools concerned. Some subjects have specific guidelines for numbers and types of papers outside the subject.