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PGCert - Public Policy as a subject

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas provide the opportunity for continuing professional development in the same area as an original degree.

Explore how national, regional and local state institutions formulate and implement policies when you study Public Policy at Waikato. You'll also examine how non-profit organisations, individuals and businesses address issues of public concern.


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Key information

Years: 0.5
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (International): $17,950 - $22,875 per year
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

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Foreign Policy Advisor
  • Health Sector Analyst
  • Māori Development Policy Adviser
  • Policy Analyst and Planner

Degree Planner

Prescriptions for the PGCert(PP), PGDip(PP), BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc

To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including POLSC501, and a further 60 points from the papers listed for Public Policy.

To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Public Policy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally POLSC591), POLSC501, and a further 60 points from the papers listed for Public Policy. Students will be permitted to substitute a maximum of 30 points with papers from another subject or subjects.

To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Public Policy, a student must have completed either:

a) a BSocSc with a major in Public Policy (or equivalent) with 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 BSocSc(Hons) in Public Policy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in Public 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 MSocSc in Public Policy vary according to admission criteria:

Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including POLSC501, and POLSC537, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

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.


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Subject links

Public Policy Programme


Public Policy is available as a minor for the BSocSc. It is also available as a minor within any undergraduate degree, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Public Policy as a minor, students must gain 60 points in Public Policy, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must include POLSC102, POLCY212, and POLCY318.


Contacts

School of Social Sciences
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4702
General Enquiries: [email protected]