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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): $7,626 - $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 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 at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc. Within the 180 points students must also complete ALPSS500, and 60 points from SOCIO coded papers.

Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing30.024A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (Online)
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020), in order to produce resilient, creative students with strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
ALPSS590Directed Study30.024X (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.
ALPSS591Research Project30.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).
ALPSS592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).
SOCIO507The Regulation of Sexuality30.024A (Online)
This paper examines how sexuality is regulated in contemporary Western societies through social norms, discourses, laws, policies, and rules that privilege certain notions about sexuality, while others are marginalised.
SOCIO508Advanced Studies in Gender and Violence30.0No occurrences
This advanced paper offers a critical exploration of the complex nature of gendered violence in Aotearoa. Students will address societal challenges regarding the causes and effects of gendered violence.
SOCIO593Sociology Thesis90.024X (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 Enquiries: [email protected]