education and teaching

Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies

Masters Degree MDInS
education and teaching

This programme draws on a social interactional model of disability that critically engages with questions of identity, ableism and rights through tackling key questions of inclusion in research, policy and practice.

180 points, 1.5 years

Hamilton, Online

Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why study the Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies?

Disability and Inclusion Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study. In the Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies at Waikato, disability and inclusion is studied through research and practice in education, human rights law and the social sciences. It takes an intersectional perspective firmly informed by the lived experiences of disabled people and critical disability studies approaches.

Interested in shaping social change in disability and inclusion through inclusive research and innovative co-developed policy and practice? You will gain comprehensive disability and inclusion skills and knowledge with access to leading national and international thinkers and practitioners. Pathways into further research, academic careers in teaching and research, policy leadership and advocacy are created through this programme.

As a graduate, you will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of concepts, issues and debates in the area of disability studies, particularly in your own research. Thinking critically and creatively, you will evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the field of disability studies and work proactively to develop professional relationships with others in the field.

In the Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies, you will complete core Disability and Inclusion Studies papers, option papers and research in the form of a Dissertation or Thesis. You can complete the programme at a level and pace that suits you and your study goals.

Depending on the papers selected, it may be possible to study fully online. It is recommended that you contact the programme leader to plan your programme of study and research for both face-to-face and online study.

Career Opportunities

  • Academic
  • Disability Advocate
  • Inclusion Practitioner
  • Inclusive Educator
  • Policy and Project Worker/Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Senior Practitioner in disability services support and management

180 points, 1.5 years

Hamilton, Online

Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Degree information

Plan your study Entry Requirements Fees and scholarships

Research - guidelines and application forms

For those wanting to undertake a research component within the qualification the guidelines and forms are listed below:

Research is governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application please email fedu.ethics@waikato.ac.nz.

This information is provisional and subject to change.

Structure of the programme

The requirements are 180 points including:

DINST521 and DINST522 one of the research methods papers from List C; and one of the research paper options from List D with a focus on disability and inclusion.

In order to be eligible for consideration for the award of honours, the requirements of the degree must be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study from the date of first enrolment in the degree - please see the MDInS regulations.

There are normally three options regarding how study can be planned.

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Education

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, The University of Waikato, Gate 5, Hillcrest Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton, New Zealand

Programme Administrators - Postgraduate and Research