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PGDip - Political Science as a subject

Postgraduate diplomas provide the opportunity for continuing professional development in the same area as an original degree. A postgraduate diploma can often lead to a masters degree.

Political Science at Waikato offers a broad spectrum of political knowledge on both national and international issues. You'll seek answers to some of the most difficult political issues of today and gain skills for many potential career paths.


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Key information

Entry Requirements:

Entry usually requires a bachelors degree (or equivalent) and an advanced level of study in your subject area.

Year: 1.0
Points: 120 points
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (International): $35,900 - $45,755 per year
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

  • Advocate
  • Central and Local Government Officer
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
  • Māori Development Policy Adviser
  • Media Analyst
  • Policy Analyst

Degree Planner

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

To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Political Science, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally POLSC591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Political Science.

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

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

Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 60 points from IRSST502, POLSC503, or 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.


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 contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: [email protected]

Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.


Scholarships and prizes

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Subject links

Political Science and Public Policy Programme


Contacts

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