Master of Social Sciences
Studying for a Master of Social Sciences at Waikato challenges you to take your understanding of theoretical subject matter to an advanced level.
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Master of Social Sciences?
A Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) builds on the Bachelors or Honours qualification you've already gained. When studying for your MSocSc, you'll focus on your preferred Social Science subject area and you'll immerse yourself in a high-level programme of study. You'll learn the latest research techniques and be updated on recent developments in knowledge relating to your chosen field.
You'll be preparing for a dissertation or thesis, so will be conducting a substantial amount of your own independent research. If you think you may want to complete a doctorate level qualification later on, completing a MSocSc prepares you for that next level of academic study.
As you grow your knowledge of your chosen subject area, you'll be refining your intellectual skills, particularly your ability to think critically, problem solve and analyse. This will enable you to prepare for leadership roles in fields related to your subject area.
Career opportunities
- Coastal Resource Officer
- Counsellor
- Economist
- Hazards and Emergency Management Officer
- Industrial Relations Advocate
- Journalist
- Policy Analyst
- Research Executive
- Social Services Manager
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton
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 MSocSc subjects Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
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Entry requirements In most cases admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$8,569 - $10,441 per programme
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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 08 December 2025.
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
$39,580 - $45,045 (120pts)
-
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 08 December 2025.
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.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates of the Master of Social Sciences will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in at least one Social Science discipline;
- complete to a high standard a substantial supervised project in their area of study;
- appreciate the nature of, and obligations pertaining to their chosen discipline/profession;
- access and engage critically with information presented in a range of media and styles;
- make intellectual judgements, and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to multiple perspectives, approaches, and theories;
- critically evaluate current scholarship and knowledge in the social sciences disciplines;
- analyse and evaluate information and formulate reasoned arguments;
- demonstrate an awareness of the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi;
- demonstrate an awareness of and respect for multiple cultural perspectives;
- communicate in cross-cultural contexts
- demonstrate a high level of communication skills in English and/or te reo Māori
- demonstrate a familiarity with the appropriate conventions for formal academic communication in the social science disciplines;
- communicate clearly and express sophisticated and subtle concepts and arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- choose an appropriate research method to investigate a topic in their chosen field of study;
- conceptualise, design and implement a project and adapt the project in the light of unforeseen problems;
- demonstrate an appreciation of the significance of cross-disciplinary links and overlaps;
- solve problems by synthesizing and critically assessing information and applying it appropriately;
- demonstrate awareness and understanding of ethical issues related to their area of study;
- be self-directed in their approach and plan their work to meet time and other constraints;
- apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles in an employment context;
- work cooperatively with diverse groups and individuals and contribute effectively to collective projects;
- contribute to the ongoing development of relevant communities;
- determine criteria for evaluating their own and others’ performance in relation to a task.
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information
In most cases admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.
Estimated fees
$8,569 - $10,441 per programme
-
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 08 December 2025.
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
$39,580 - $45,045 (120pts)
-
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 08 December 2025.
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.
Graduates of the Master of Social Sciences will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in at least one Social Science discipline;
- complete to a high standard a substantial supervised project in their area of study;
- appreciate the nature of, and obligations pertaining to their chosen discipline/profession;
- access and engage critically with information presented in a range of media and styles;
- make intellectual judgements, and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to multiple perspectives, approaches, and theories;
- critically evaluate current scholarship and knowledge in the social sciences disciplines;
- analyse and evaluate information and formulate reasoned arguments;
- demonstrate an awareness of the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi;
- demonstrate an awareness of and respect for multiple cultural perspectives;
- communicate in cross-cultural contexts
- demonstrate a high level of communication skills in English and/or te reo Māori
- demonstrate a familiarity with the appropriate conventions for formal academic communication in the social science disciplines;
- communicate clearly and express sophisticated and subtle concepts and arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- choose an appropriate research method to investigate a topic in their chosen field of study;
- conceptualise, design and implement a project and adapt the project in the light of unforeseen problems;
- demonstrate an appreciation of the significance of cross-disciplinary links and overlaps;
- solve problems by synthesizing and critically assessing information and applying it appropriately;
- demonstrate awareness and understanding of ethical issues related to their area of study;
- be self-directed in their approach and plan their work to meet time and other constraints;
- apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles in an employment context;
- work cooperatively with diverse groups and individuals and contribute effectively to collective projects;
- contribute to the ongoing development of relevant communities;
- determine criteria for evaluating their own and others’ performance in relation to a task.
Major in Political Science
Study a Master of Social Sciences in Political Science, a highly flexible programme that will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services.
Industry Connections
During your studies, you'll be supervised by well-connected staff members who have networks with people working in a wide range of sectors, from business to government.
These people, including representatives from local and central government and tribal authorities, provide input into the different subject areas. Members of community groups, business organisations and industrial and professional groups do the same – they provide valuable support and input. The subject area experts themselves provide consultancy services that the community in general needs, so there are broader links and connections made through this sharing of knowledge.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
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