MSocSc - Social Policy 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.
Be a force for change. Study Social Policy at Waikato and develop a critical understanding of how policy-making impacts on every person, regardless of their age, ethnicity or gender – then learn how to influence it.
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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
- Advocate
- Case Manager
- Community Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
Degree Planner
Papers
Papers available within Social Policy
Prescriptions for the PGCert(SocPol), PGDip(SocPol), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc
To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including SOCPY500, at least 30 points in research (normally SOCPY591) and at least 30 points from any other SOCPY or SOCIO coded 500 level papers.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in Social Policy, a student must have completed either:
a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board, or
b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least a B average, 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 Social Policy vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 60 points from SOCPY coded papers, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23X (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. | |||
| SOCIO501 | Knowing Bodies | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online) |
| This paper examines interdisciplinary understandings of bodies in social and cultural contexts, drawing from sociology of health and illness, gender and sexuality studies and cultural studies. | |||
| SOCPY500 | Techniques for Policy Analysis | 30.0 | 23A (Online) |
| This paper exposes students to a selection of techniques in the policy toolkit that can be applied to problem solving in social policy issues. It also reflects on the values and assumptions underlying methods. Students will be taught to apply policy methods critically and in context. | |||
| SOCPY502 | Insecurity, Diversity, Inequality and Work | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Focusing on the world of work this paper examines how the challenges of insecurity, diversity and inequality are managed in New Zealand. | |||
| SOCPY507 | Gender and Development | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This graduate paper explores fundamental constructs of feminism within the context of development schemes and policies. | |||
| SOCPY591 | Dissertation | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| SOCPY592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| SOCPY593 | Social Policy Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| SOCPY594 | Social Policy Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Subject Requirements
Social Policy is available as a major for the BSocSc.
Social Policy is available as a major for the BSocSc. Social Policy may also be taken as a second major or as a minor within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
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, please contact one of our friendly student advisors on phone:
Note: Social Policy is available as a major for the BSocSc in Hamilton and Tauranga. Tauranga-based students majoring in Social Policy may substitute SOCW305 for SOCP304
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements, please check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
School of Social Sciences
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4138
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]