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MSocSc - Sociology 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.

Sociology at Waikato moves you beyond assumptions and explores who we are and our place in the world. You'll study human relationships and how societies form. Sociology at Waikato is highly respected and is a top 300 QS-rated subject.


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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

  • Community Advocate
  • Community Development advisor
  • Criminal justice worker
  • Criminology researcher
  • Journalist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Research Advisor
  • Teacher
  • Youth worker

Degree Planner

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

To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCIO591), 30 points in any other SOCIO coded paper, as well as 30 points in any other SOCIO or SOCPY coded paper.

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

a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in Sociology (or equivalent) and have gained 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 BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip in Sociology (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 Sociology vary according to admission criteria:

Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 60 points from SOCIO 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
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.
SOCIO501Knowing Bodies30.023A (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.
SOCIO591Dissertation30.023X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
SOCIO592Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
SOCIO593Sociology Thesis90.023X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
SOCIO594Sociology 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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Subject links

Sociology and Social Policy Program


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]