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 |
|---|---|
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): | $7,098-$8,505 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. | |
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), BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCPY591) and at least 30 points from other SOCPY coded 500 level papers. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed, especially if they are considering going on with further graduate study.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Social Policy, a student should have completed either:
a) a 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 BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division).
Completion requirements for the 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDSOC501 | Education Policy and Society | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| A critical analysis of educational policies and practices, with particular references to New Zealand. | |||
| POLSC501 | Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the fundamentals of policy analysis, and develops skills for higher-level research in public policy. A key focus is developing critical awareness of policy processes, of the drivers of change, and of the role of both 'evidence' and public participation in policy-making, in the pursuit of inclusive ... | |||
| 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... | |||
| POPST509 | Research Methods for Population Analysis | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) |
| This paper provides students with hands-on experience conducting population research, working with real world data to analyse to investigate population issues. Students will gain a sound understanding of how to access, analyse and interpret data and how to communicate their findings, skills directly applicable to a range of policy,... | |||
| PSYCH511 | Evaluation Research Design | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides a theoretical grounding in programme evaluation, with an emphasis on the evaluation of programmes in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods, collaborative approaches and evaluation as a strategy of incremental social change. | |||
| PSYCH513 | Evaluation Research Analysis | 30.0 | 21X (Block) |
| This paper provides an introduction to evaluation praxis with a major focus on completing a small scale evaluation of a social service or health programme. Such roles as consultant, advocate, liaison and technician are part of the skills students experience. Engagement with the client through refining and negotiating an evaluation ... | |||
| SOCIO500 | Comparative Indigenous Criminology | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on a critical comparison of indigenous people's experiences of crime control policies and interventions in settler-colonial jurisdictions. | |||
| SOCPY501 | Critical Issues in Crime and Social Justice | 30.0 | No occurrences |
| The paper focuses on contemporary, critical issues related to New Zealand's criminal justice system, and the wider context of social justice. | |||
| SOCPY507 | Gender and Development | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This graduate paper explores fundamental constructs of feminism within the context of development schemes and policies. | |||
| SOCPY589 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. | |||
| SOCPY590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton) & 21D (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. | |||
| SOCPY591 | Dissertation | 30.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| SOCPY592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| SOCPY593 | Social Policy Thesis | 90.0 | 21I (Hamilton) & 21X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| SOCPY594 | Social Policy Thesis | 120.0 | 21X (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]