MSocSc - Human Development 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.
Interested in the study of the human lifespan from conception and birth onwards? Human Development investigates how people develop throughout their lives and how cultural and social settings help to shape what is possible.
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Key information
| Years: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): | $6,748-$8,085 per year |
| Fees (International): | $31,615 - $35,980 (120 pts) or $47,425 - $53,970 (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. | |
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Papers
Papers available within Human Development
Prescriptions for the BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in graduate Human Development papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in the best three of their 300 level Human Development papers or all their undergraduate Human Development papers.
To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally HDCO591) and at least 60 points from papers listed for Human Development. Students who are intending to go on to an MSocSc must include an approved research methods paper in their BSocSc(Hons) degree.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Human Development, a student must have completed either:
a) a BSocSc with a major in Human Development (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent.
Completion requirements for the MSocSc in Human Development vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 30 points from a research methods paper or papers, and 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| COUNS540 | Working with Groups | 30.0 | 21B (Block) |
| This paper explores dialogic group processes with selected kinds of groups. Students will be given the opportunity to develop group membership and leadership roles through observation, participation and evaluation during an experiential workshop format and through on-line discussion and assignments. | |||
| COUNS544 | Discourse and Counselling Psychologies | 30.0 | 21X (Block) |
| This paper offers a constructionist perspective on counselling and includes consideration of psychological theories which have influenced counselling practice. Students will be introduced to concepts which enable analysis of therapeutic conversations. | |||
| COUNS549 | Counselling and Contexts | 30.0 | 21H (Block) |
| This paper provides an overview of counselling practice and its contexts, including an optional module on school counselling. It teaches the skills and ethical perspectives of collaborative approaches to counselling, offering a particular introduction to narrative therapy. | |||
| DINST521 | Contemporary Issues in Disability and Inclusion Studies | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
| This paper examines the historical and contemporary context that drives the bio-medical and social justice models of inclusive social and educational practice. It will also consider how a disability advocacy focus affects the practice of academic research. | |||
| EDUCA500 | Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and Critical Theories | 30.0 | 21B (Block - Tauranga) |
| Culturally Responsive Methodologies utilise kaupapa Maori and critical theoretical frameworks to develop contexts within which the researched community can define the terms for engaging, relating and co-creating new knowledge. | |||
| EDUCA557 | Research Methods | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga), 21B (Online) & 21H (Block) |
| This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research. | |||
| EDUCA590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 21I (Hamilton) & 21I (Online) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| EDUCA592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton), 21X (Online) & 21X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| EDUCA593 | Education Thesis | 90.0 | 21X (Hamilton), 21X (Online) & 21X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| EDUCA594 | Education Thesis | 120.0 | 21X (Hamilton), 21X (Online) & 21X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| HMDEV501 | Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives | 30.0 | 21A (Online) |
| This paper provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of children and young people's development from birth to 18 years. It discusses research perspectives on optimal development for children and young people within familial, educational and broader social contexts in contemporary societies. Students will be invited to con... | |||
| HMDEV502 | Diversity in Adulthood | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on adult development with an emphasis on ageing, diversity, culture and social justice. Examining social and political discourses, the paper explores how the resulting messages influence the everyday experiences of people at different stages of adulthood; and the implications of these for working with diversity i... | |||
| HMDEV503 | Educational and Life Transitions: Changing Roles and Changing Contexts | 30.0 | 21B (Block) |
| The life of an individual involves many transitions to new roles and new contexts. These include numerous educational transitions, from infants and young children entering early childhood services, through school transitions, to adults starting tertiary or work contexts. Each transition may offer both opportunities and challenges. ... | |||
| HMDEV524 | Intelligence, Creativity and the Development of Talent | 30.0 | 21B (Online) |
| This paper involves an in-depth examination of historical and contemporary models of intelligence, creativity, giftedness, and talent, and how these different interpretations impact on policy and practice in education. | |||
| MAOED500 | Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research | 30.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| This paper seeks to explore Kaupapa Maori research theory and methodologies, developing more informed and culturally located and responsive research practice, with a particular focus on researching in Maori educational contexts. | |||
| POPST501 | Population Health and Equity | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores population health in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally, emphasising the broader determinants of wellbeing and equity. It introduces aspects of epidemiology, considers historical, indigenous and contemporary perspectives of health, and explores relationships between health, community and society. | |||
| POPST507 | Critical Demography | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to critical demography as an approach that draws on social science theories to understand key demographic phenomena. Interactive seminars will comprise a blend of structured lectures and in-class discussion focussed on weekly readings drawn from Aotearoa NZ and internationally. The first part of the p... | |||
Scholarships and prizes
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Graduate study options
Human Development is available as a major and graduate level subject in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.
Human Development is available as a major and graduate level subject in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Papers in this subject are offered by the School of Education.
Students majoring in other Social Sciences disciplines for their BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc may also consider taking one or two Human Development papers with particular relevance to their major subject: for instance, Psychology majors may be interested in Conflict Resolution, Working with Groups, or Counselling, and Psychology or Social Policy majors with a critical bent might consider taking Young People in Contemporary New Zealand Society and Difference and Diversity in Human Development.
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development, a student should normally have majored in Human Development in their undergraduate degree and have at least a B average in the best three of their 300 level Human Development papers or all of their undergraduate Human Development papers. Students who have taken an undergraduate major in Psychology will normally be considered to meet the criteria for entry to graduate study in Human Development. Admission requirements vary, so students should consult the Graduate Adviser directly.
To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points of research, normally HDCO591 or an equivalent approved by the Programme Convenor and at least 30 further points from papers listed for Human Development. Students who are intending to go on to a MSocSc in Human Development must include an approved research methods paper in their BSocSc(Hons) programme.
Visit Bachelor of Social Sciences to find out more about the entry and requirements for this qualification.
Master of Social Sciences
Entry to the MSocSc in Human Development is open to students who have completed a BSocSc(Hons) in Human Development (or equivalent) and have gained a B+ average across all 500 level papers.
To complete a MSocSc in Human Development, students must take a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and 60 points from approved 500 level papers. MSocSc students who have not completed an approved research methods paper in their honours degree must include an approved research methods paper in their masters programme.
Visit Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) to find out more about the entry and requirements for this qualification.
Postgraduate Certificate
Entry to the PGCert(HumDev) is open to suitably qualified candidates who have completed study at an advanced level and satisfied any prerequisites for graduate study in Human Development.
Students must gain 60 points at 500 level or above in Human Development.
Visit Postgraduate Certificate to find out more about the entry and requirements for this qualification.
Postgraduate Diploma
Entry to the PGDip(HumDev) is open to suitably qualified candidates who have completed study at an advanced level and satisfied any prerequisites for graduate study in Human Development.
Students must gain 120 points at 500 level or above, including 90 points in Human Development.
Visit Postgraduate Diploma to find out more about the entry and requirements for this qualification.
Contacts
Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education
Undergraduate
Phone: 0800 832 242 or +64 7 838 4500
Email: [email protected]
Postgraduate
Phone: 07 838 4466 ext 7721
Email: [email protected]