Social Policy Subject regulations
Social Policy provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on key social issues of policy concern and opens up possibilities of employment in areas such as governmental social policy agencies, local bodies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Students may choose from a combination of core and elective papers in Economics, Education Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Political Science and Public Policy, Population Studies, Social Science Research, Sociology, and Work, Employment and Society which, when combined, offer theoretical and applied approaches to the study of social policy issues.
Social Policy is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Social Policy may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Social Policy as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Social Policy, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCPY100, at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 200 level and at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 300 level.
To complete Social Policy as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Social Policy, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCPY100, at least 15 points from SOCPY coded papers at 200 level, and at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 300 level.
To complete a minor in Social Policy, students must complete at least 60 points from the papers listed for Social Policy, including at least 30 above 100 level. Students must complete SOCPY100, at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper, and at least one SOCPY coded 300 level paper.
Enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Social Policy should be directed to the Programme Convenor.
There will be no new enrolments into the major, second major, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Social Policy from 2026.
Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office for programme advice.
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
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GradCert(SocPol) and GradDip(SocPol)[1] A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Social Policy at an advanced level in their first degree.
Each programme of study for the Graduate Certificate must include at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper and at least one SOCPY coded 300 level paper. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper, and at least two SOCPY coded 300 level papers.
For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.
NOTE:
[1] The GradCert(SocPol) and GradDip(SocPol) will not be offered in 2027.
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PGCert(SocPol), PGDip(SocPol), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including SOCPY500, at least 30 points in SOCPY coded research papers and at least 30 points from any other 500 level papers listed for Social Policy.
The qualification regulations define the admission requirements for enrolment into the MA or MSocSc in Social Policy.
Completion requirements for the MA or MSocSc in Social Policy 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 much also complete ALPSS500, SOCPY500 and at least 30 points from any other 500 level papers listed for Social Policy.
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.
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PhD The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Social Policy papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
CRIMN101
Criminology, Power and the State
This paper prepares students for further study in criminology. Developing a critical criminological perspective the paper will introduce students to... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga) |
|
CRIMN102
Crime Deviance and Social Justice
This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga) |
|
POLSC102
New Zealand Politics and Policy
This paper provides a foundation for the study of political science and public policy, with a particular focus on the study of government, politics... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga) |
|
SOCIO101
Introduction to Sociology
This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga) |
|
SOCPY100
Introduction to Social Policy
This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 27A (Tauranga) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
CRIMN204
Punishment, Society and Social Justice
This subject will provide students with a critical understanding of the theoretical, political and policy issues associated with societies' response... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Online) & 27B (Tauranga) |
|
EDSOC200
Politics and Policies of Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
This paper explores the political influences and discourses that are enacted in and through education policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through this... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
POLSC212
Public Policy Analysis
This paper introduces public policy analysis by studying debates in critical areas: alcohol law, firearms regulation, hate speech, criminal justice... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) |
|
SOCIO201
21st Century Activism and Radical Thought
This paper will offer insight into the historical legacies of systemic racism, sexism and class oppression by taking an in-depth look at key issues... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Online) |
|
SOCPY200
Social Policy and Social Issues
The paper continues the study of social policy at 200 level. The focus of this paper is on the welfare state, the policy cycle as well as social... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
CRIMN300
Drug Policy: Health and Harms in Aotearoa New Zealand
This paper provides an overview of the debates surrounding the regulation of illicit drugs in Aotearoa New Zealand, with explicit reference to the... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) |
|
CRIMN303
Critical Feminism and the Prison State
This paper employs anti-carceral feminist theories and frameworks to explore the phenomenon of mass female imprisonment across nation states, with a... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) |
|
CRIMN311
Current Issues in Crime & Justice
This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice. |
15 | 27G (Online) |
|
GNSEX303
Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical context for understanding contemporary issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
POLSC318
Global Environmental Politics and Policy
This paper explores contemporary debates on environmental politics, sustainability, justice, and environmental governance. It examines the political... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
SOCIO301
Contemporary Social Theory: A Praxis Approach
This paper introduces students to contemporary debates in social theory from a praxis perspective. Particular attention is paid to theories of... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
SOCIO305
Human Enhancement Technologies and Social Life
This paper analyses the causes and impacts of technologies of human enhancement on individuals and societies. The paper addresses issues such as... |
15 | 27A (Online) |
|
SOCPY300
Applied Social Policy
This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and... |
15 | 27B (Online) |
|
SOCPY301
Health, Wellbeing and Policy
This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level. |
15 | 27A (Online) |
|
SOCPY390
Directed Study
This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake investigation of a specific topic from a social policy perspective. |
15 | 27X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
ALPSS500
Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills... |
30 | 27A (Online) & 27B (Online) |
|
ANTHY515
Ethnographic Research Methods
This paper provides an in depth introduction to ethnographic research, including its ethical, theoretical, and methodical components. |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
EDUCA560
Contemporary Educational Policies, Thought and Issues
This paper allows participants to explore contemporary issues in education as it relates to their practice, focusing on policies, contexts and... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Online) |
|
GEOGY500
People, Place, Power
This paper is a forum for debate in geographies of people and power. Key concerns are the intersections between gender, Māori, Indigeneity... |
30 | 27A (Online) |
|
GEOGY520
Human Dimensions of Environmental Change
This paper examines the increasing risks imposed on human communities by global environmental change. The paper establishes a platform for the... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
HMDEV500
Contemporary Issues in Lifespan Development
This paper focuses on contemporary issues in development across the lifespan with an emphasis on diversity, culture and social justice, and considers... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA501
Critical and Creative Approaches to Research
This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MNGMT581
Research Methods in Management Studies
This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in the social... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27C (Hamilton) |
|
POLSC501
Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice
This paper introduces students to the fundamentals of policy analysis, and develops skills for higher-level research in public policy. A key focus is... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
POLSC537
Environmental Politics and Public Policy
This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
POPST501
Population Health and Equity
This paper explores population health in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally, emphasising the broader determinants of wellbeing and equity. It... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
POPST502
Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance: Theory, Principles and Frameworks
This paper explores key concepts and supports students to develop an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical foundations, guiding principles... |
15 | 27A (Online) |
|
POPST503
Methodological Approaches to Analysing Indigenous Data
This paper examines the fundamentals of indigenous data analysis based on indigenous data sovereignty principles. The paper will support students to... |
15 | 27B (Online) |
|
SOCIO509
Contemporary Social Theory
This course offers a graduate-level survey of contemporary social theory, with a specific focus on progressive and critical thought that emerged from... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY500
Techniques for Policy Analysis
This paper exposes students to a selection of techniques in the policy toolkit that can be applied to problem solving in social policy issues. It... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY503
Health, Wellbeing and Policy
This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level. |
15 | 27A (Online) |
|
SOCPY590
Directed Study
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... |
30 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY591
Research Project
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. |
30 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY592
Dissertation
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. |
60 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY593
Social Policy Thesis
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. |
90 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
SOCPY594
Social Policy Thesis
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| SOCPY900 Social Policy PhD Thesis | 120 | 27I (Hamilton) & 27J (Hamilton) & 27K (Hamilton) & 27X (Hamilton) |
-
CRIMN101 Criminology, Power and the State
This paper prepares students for further study in criminology. Developing a critical criminological perspective the paper will introduce students to...
Points 15This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context.
Points 15This paper provides a foundation for the study of political science and public policy, with a particular focus on the study of government, politics...
Points 15This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and...
Points 15This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other...
Points 15 -
CRIMN204 Punishment, Society and Social Justice
This subject will provide students with a critical understanding of the theoretical, political and policy issues associated with societies' response...
Points 15This paper explores the political influences and discourses that are enacted in and through education policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through this...
Points 15This paper introduces public policy analysis by studying debates in critical areas: alcohol law, firearms regulation, hate speech, criminal justice...
Points 15This paper will offer insight into the historical legacies of systemic racism, sexism and class oppression by taking an in-depth look at key issues...
Points 15The paper continues the study of social policy at 200 level. The focus of this paper is on the welfare state, the policy cycle as well as social...
Points 15 -
CRIMN300 Drug Policy: Health and Harms in Aotearoa New Zealand
This paper provides an overview of the debates surrounding the regulation of illicit drugs in Aotearoa New Zealand, with explicit reference to the...
Points 15This paper employs anti-carceral feminist theories and frameworks to explore the phenomenon of mass female imprisonment across nation states, with a...
Points 15This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice.
Points 15This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical context for understanding contemporary issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social...
Points 15This paper explores contemporary debates on environmental politics, sustainability, justice, and environmental governance. It examines the political...
Points 15This paper introduces students to contemporary debates in social theory from a praxis perspective. Particular attention is paid to theories of...
Points 15This paper analyses the causes and impacts of technologies of human enhancement on individuals and societies. The paper addresses issues such as...
Points 15This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and...
Points 15This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.
Points 15This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake investigation of a specific topic from a social policy perspective.
Points 15 -
ALPSS500 Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills...
Points 30This paper provides an in depth introduction to ethnographic research, including its ethical, theoretical, and methodical components.
Points 30This paper allows participants to explore contemporary issues in education as it relates to their practice, focusing on policies, contexts and...
Points 30This paper is a forum for debate in geographies of people and power. Key concerns are the intersections between gender, Māori, Indigeneity...
Points 30This paper examines the increasing risks imposed on human communities by global environmental change. The paper establishes a platform for the...
Points 30This paper focuses on contemporary issues in development across the lifespan with an emphasis on diversity, culture and social justice, and considers...
Points 30This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and...
Points 30This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in the social...
Points 30This paper introduces students to the fundamentals of policy analysis, and develops skills for higher-level research in public policy. A key focus is...
Points 30This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on...
Points 30This paper explores population health in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally, emphasising the broader determinants of wellbeing and equity. It...
Points 30This paper explores key concepts and supports students to develop an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical foundations, guiding principles...
Points 15This paper examines the fundamentals of indigenous data analysis based on indigenous data sovereignty principles. The paper will support students to...
Points 15This course offers a graduate-level survey of contemporary social theory, with a specific focus on progressive and critical thought that emerged from...
Points 30This paper exposes students to a selection of techniques in the policy toolkit that can be applied to problem solving in social policy issues. It...
Points 30This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.
Points 15Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the...
Points 30A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
Points 30A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
Points 60An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
Points 90An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
Points 120 -
SOCPY900 Social Policy PhD ThesisPoints 120
2027 Subject regulation information current as at 14 Aug 2026 01:00am