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MSocSc - History as a main subject

Studying for a Master of Social Sciences at Waikato challenges you to take your understanding of theoretical subject matter to an advanced level.

Historians study the past to understand the present. History at Waikato will inspire you to understand current events in light of historical context and give you a first-rate history education from a top 200 QS-rated programme.


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Key information

Years: 1 - 1.5
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,416 - $8,888 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $51,290 - $58,370 (180 pts)
Entry Requirements: Postgraduate International
Area of Study:
*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.

Career opportunities

  • Archivist
  • Documentary Researcher
  • Historian
  • Journalist
  • Museum or Gallery Curator
  • Political Speechwriter
  • Tour Guide

Degree Planner

Prescriptions for the PGCert(Hist), PGDip(Hist), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc

To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in History, students must gain 120 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 30 points in research (normally HISTY591).

To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in History, a student must have completed either:

a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in History (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in History (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in History (or equivalent) with at least a B average, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent and

c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

Completion requirements for the MA or MSocSc in History vary according to admission criteria:

Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including either a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ALPSS590Directed Study30.023X (Hamilton)
This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
HISTY501Private Lives in the Archives30.0No occurrences
This paper examines how and why the personal lives of individuals are recorded and preserved in archives, and engages with practical, ethical, and intellectual questions about historical research.
HISTY512Environmental History30.023A (Hamilton)
Environmental History explores the ways in which human societies, cultures, and economies have imagined and shaped, as well as been shaped by, the natural world across time and place from the development of agriculture to 20th century environmental movements.
HISTY516History and Theory30.023B (Hamilton)
This paper prepares students for professional historical practice and higher study through an investigation of relevant historiographical theories and methodologies.
HISTY591Dissertation30.023A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23D (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
HISTY592Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
HISTY593History Thesis90.023X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
HISTY594History Thesis120.023X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

Scholarships and prizes

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Potential PhD, MA or Honours Dissertation Candidates

All potential PhD, MA or Honours dissertation candidates must contact a current History staff member to discuss their Honours, MA or PhD dissertation topic before enrolling.

Staff may already have full supervision workloads or be away on research leave, so the sooner candidates contact staff the better. Potential candidates who wish to enrol in an Honours 591, MA programme or PhD thesis should take time to check whether current staff are available and have expertise in their chosen preferred topics.


Subject links

History Programme


For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: [email protected]

Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the Graduate Study Options section above.


Contacts

School of Social Sciences
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4030
General Enquiries: [email protected]