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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 - 1.5
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,626 - $9,292 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $53,855 - $61,290 (180 points)
Entry Requirements: Postgraduate International
Area of Study:
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.

Career opportunities

  • Community or Iwi Development Coordinator
  • Community Educator
  • Policy Analyst/ Advisor
  • Community Advocate
  • Social Services Advocate
  • International Aid Worker
  • Learning Application Developer
  • Trainer

Degree Planner

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COUNS540Working with Groups30.024B (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. The paper includes a particular...
COUNS549Counselling and Contexts30.024A (Block) & 24H (Block)
This paper provides an overview of counselling practice and its contexts, including optional modules on school counselling, or addictions. It teaches the skills and ethical perspectives of collaborative approaches to counselling, offering a particular introduction to narrative therapy.
DINST521Critical Studies in Disability and Inclusion30.024A (Online)
This paper critically explores an intersectional understanding of disability and inclusion using Critical Disability Studies and Disability Studies in Education perspectives. It engages with ideas of equality and social inclusion and the social barriers and enablers to equal access in education, health and other social systems. The...
DINST522Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach30.024B (Online)
Framed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, this paper explores learning, living, working and playing from the perspectives of disabled people in Aotearoa and internationally. It looks at how disabled people have and continue to shape the way human rights of disabled people are understood, an...
HMDEV501Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives30.024A (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...
POPST501Population Health and Equity30.024A (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.
POPST507Family and Whānau Demography30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
This paper introduces students to key theories and contemporary debates in the field of family demography. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying a critical population lens that can be used to understand demographic phenomena. The classes are seminar style and comprise a blend of structured lectures and in-class discussions...

Scholarships and prizes

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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 WAIKATO (924 528) or 07 838 4176

International: +64 7 807 9275
Email: [email protected]

Postgraduate
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (924 528) or 07 838 4176

International: +64 7 807 9275
Email: [email protected]