Political Science
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.
The Political Science programme will ask you why some crises lead to armed conflict while others resolve peacefully - why democracy thrives in some countries while it dies in others. We challenge you to learn lessons from international politics and to consider political solutions to international crises. We push you to consider tough questions like those involving equality and freedom - must one be sacrificed for the other to flourish?
Political Science is a highly flexible programme and will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services. We also offer a specialisation in International Relations and Security Studies which further allows you to investigate relevant contemporary events.
Political Science at Waikato not only gives you a well-rounded perspective on political issues but also provides a versatile base of knowledge and skills to enter many fields.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton; Online |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Political Science in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Tourism
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Political Science as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Tourism
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Māori and Pacific Development
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Advocate
- Central and Local Government Officer
- Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
- Māori Development Policy Adviser
- Media Analyst
- Policy Analyst
Papers
Papers available within this subject
Available Political Science papers
Prescriptions for the GradCert(PolSc) and GradDip(PolSc)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Political Science at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(PolSc), PGDip(PolSc), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in graduate Political Science papers, a student should normally have at least a B average in either the best three of their 300 level Political Science papers or all their undergraduate Political Science papers.
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 POLS591) 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 should have completed either:
a) a BA or BSocSc in Political Science or Public Policy (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B+ average in either the best three of their 300 level Political Science or Public Policy papers or all of their undergraduate Political Science or Public Policy papers, or
b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Political Science or Public Policy (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B+ average across all 500 level papers.
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 POLS502, POLS503, POLS527 or POLS537, 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, 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.
To be considered for enrolment in a dissertation or thesis, all students must have completed at least 60 points from approved 500 level papers and have gained at least a B average to be admitted to POLS592, at least a B+ average to be admitted to POLS593 and at least an A- average to be admitted to POLS594.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one 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.
Prescriptions for the 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.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ARTSC110 | Old Worlds - New Worlds | 19A (Hamilton) & 19A (Tauranga) |
| This cross-disciplinary paper offers students with a rich background for study within the Bachelor of Arts. It is structured around metaphors of journey and cultural encounter and focuses on a variety of texts, images and sounds. | ||
| ARTSC111 | Social Science Theory and Action | 19A (Hamilton) & 19A (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces University of Waikato social scientists as researchers. Each presenter's research will be discussed to demonstrate how it illustrates key themes of the social sciences and their specific disciplines. | ||
| IRSST103 | Introduction to International Relations | 19A (Hamilton), 19A (Online) & 19A (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides an introduction to the study of international relations in an era of globalisation. It covers the historical background, key concepts and theories, case studies, and contemporary developments in the study of world politics. | ||
| IRSST104 | Introduction to International Security | 19B (Hamilton), 19B (Online) & 19B (Tauranga) |
| This course is an introduction to the study of international security. It examines a variety of contemporary security issues and explores how and why conflict emerges in the international system. | ||
| POLSC100 | Playing Politics: Conflict, Co-operation and Choice | 19A (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces students to some of the basic concepts used in thinking about politics: conflict, cooperation, collective choice, and power. | ||
| POLSC101 | Politics in the Ancient World | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to politics at the dawn of Western civilization. Topics include Athenian democracy, the Roman republic, Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Politics, political idealism and political realism. | ||
| POLSC102 | New Zealand Politics and Policy | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides a foundation for the study of political science and public policy, with a particular focus on the study of government, politics and policy in New Zealand. | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| IRSST206 | International Relations: The Security Agenda | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to International Relations' dynamic and evolving security agenda and covers some of the most urgent contemporary security concerns. | ||
| MAORI250 | Māori Politics | 19A (Hamilton) & 19B (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines Maori and Indigenous politics in a broad sense, from key ideas such as sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, and autonomy, through to crucial forms of resistance via various political structures including local, Iwi, national and global Indigenous movements. | ||
| PHILO215 | Moral and Political Philosophy: A Historical Introduction | 19B (Hamilton) |
| A study of the moral and political philosophy of thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Hume and Mill. This paper uses Plato's Republic to introduce students to central issues in Moral and Political Philosophy, including questions about virtue, happiness, justice, liberty, democracy, tyranny, feminism, art, censorship, and moral educat... | ||
| POLCY212 | Power, Politics and Policy Analysis | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to public policy analysis. Students focus on the role of politics, public participation and policy in addressing society's big problems, how they are framed and defined, and how solutions are developed and implemented within the context of the policy process. | ||
| POLSC200 | Politics and the Media | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This course provides an introduction to the complex relationships between mass media, politics, and democratic society. It examines the power of the media in influencing political processes, policies, behaviour, and perceptions. | ||
| POLSC201 | Modern Political Thinkers | 19A (Online) & 19T (Online) |
| This course examines the ideas of a number of modern political thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, and Marx. | ||
| POLSC211 | Political Systems around the World | 19A (Hamilton) |
| The paper introduces the comparative study of political institutions, the study of the politics of a number of countries, their similarities and differences, from established democracies toauthoritarian regimes. | ||
| POLSC224 | Terrorism, Violence and the State | 19A (Hamilton) |
| Terrorism is an increasingly prominent global phenomenon. We will clarify it conceptually and situate it historically with theory and case studies in situating it in comparative political and International Relations analysis. | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| GNSEX303 | Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical context for understanding contemporary issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social class. It investigates micro and macro level experiences and the social construction of identities. In doing so, this paper looks at how power is distributed in society, the theories that... | ||
| IRSST301 | International Relations: The Context, Theory and Practice of New Zealand Foreign Policy | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This course delivers a comprehensive historical overview of New Zealand foreign policy from the beginning of the 20th century, and considers the role government departments play in the creation and implementation of policy. | ||
| IRSST315 | International Politics of Asia | 19B (Hamilton) |
| It provides an introduction to, and analysis of, three critical issues in Asia: the Kashmir dispute; the situation on the Korean Peninsula; and rising tensions in the South China Sea | ||
| IRSST331 | Cyber Security and the Global Politics of the Internet | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This course explores the global politics of cyber security and the internet. It covers the major political/strategic/theoetcial debates around enhancing the security of computer systems and how states and non-state actors are responding. | ||
| PHILO315 | Democracy, Justice & Equality | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This course provides students with an in-depth introduction to contested topics in modern political philosophy. Students will be expected to analyse the theoretical basis of these positions, and to consider the practical consequences of them. | ||
| POLCY318 | Global Environmental Politics and Policy | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores contemporary debates on environmental politics, sustainability, justice, and environmental governance. It examines the political processes underpinning the search for cooperative solutions to environmental dilemmas, including climate change. | ||
| POLSC300 | Religion and Political Violence | 19S (Online) & 19T (Online) |
| This paper examines religious attitudes to political authority and political violence. Students study the writings of major thinkers in the Christian tradition including Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Calvin. | ||
| POLSC316 | Latin American Politics | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the ideological determinants, recent histories, democratisation, civil-military relations, post-authoritarian politics, and current political crisis of the several major Latin American countries. | ||
| POLSC390 | Directed Study | 19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton), 19S (Hamilton) & 19T (Hamilton) |
| This course comprises a programme of individual research and assessment undertaken by a student working under supervision of an academic staff member. | ||
| SOCIO302 | Globalisation and International Development | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the impact of globalisation on both developed and developing countries. Special focus is placed on the labour-capital relation. Applied methods of comparative analysis are also introduced. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHY520 | Tribes, Empires, Nations | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines tribes, empires, and nations as historically distinct types of political systems, and the ongoing influence of tribal and imperial cultures and institutions in diverse contemporary nation-states. | ||
| IRSST505 | International Security, Strategy and Technology | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This course offers an introduction to Strategic Studies with particular emphasis on how developments in science and technology affect warfare, conflict, and the use of force in international relations. | ||
| IRSST507 | Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This course examines the poltical, strategic, legal and economic debates around cyber security and cyber warfare. Particular emphasis is placed on how militaries, national security agencies, and law enforcement are adapting to online threats and incorporating cyber in their strategic planning. | ||
| PHILO533 | Moral and Political Philosophy | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will cover a range of current topics in moral and political philosophy. The exact content will be guided by choices made in class, but will include detailed analysis of foundational problems in modern political philosophy, and exploration of the intersection of moral and political philosophy in practice. | ||
| POLSC501 | Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the fundamentals of policy analysis, and develops skills for higher-level research in public policy. A key focus is developing critical awareness of policy processes, of the drivers of change, and of the role of both 'evidence' and public participation in policy-making, in the pursuit of inclusive ... | ||
| POLSC502 | Security Issues in South East Asia | 19A (Hamilton) |
| After a brief conceptual and historical introduction to security in the region, the paper goes on to consider a range of contemporary security issues. These include ethnic conflict, militant Islam, maritime security, and relations with the major extra-regional powers. | ||
| POLSC504 | Gender, Justice and the Environment | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper draws on the interdisciplinary study of gender and the environment to look at how issues of gender and justice mediate human-environmental relations. | ||
| POLSC506 | International Relations and Global Security | 19B (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches and utilises major international relations theories to consider pressing global issues. This includes the causes of war and peace, globalisation, the Cold War, the widening security agenda, terrorism, the environment, inequality, new technologies, and international institutions. | ||
| POLSC537 | Environmental Politics and Public Policy | 19A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on environmental policy making. A significant focus of the paper is on analysing and understanding the complex intersections of institutions, culture, science and technology, and systems of ... | ||
| POLSC590 | Directed Study | 19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton), 19C (Hamilton) & 19Y (Hamilton) |
| Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | ||
| POLSC591 | Dissertation | 19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton), 19C (Hamilton) & 19Y (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| POLSC592 | Dissertation | 19C (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| POLSC593 | Political Science Thesis | 19C (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| POLSC594 | Political Science Thesis | 19C (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| POLS800 | Political Science MPhil Thesis | 19C (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| POLS900 | Political Science PhD Thesis | 19C (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
Fresh out of Whakatane High School, Chris came to the University of Waikato a couple of weeks after his 17th birthday to study political science and history – "quite simply, the subjects I enjoyed the most", he says.
Read stories from other students
Subject requirements
Political Science is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc.
Political Science is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc. Political Science may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
To complete a major in Political Science, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in Political Science, including at least two of POLS201, POLS206, POLS211, and POLS212, and at least 60 points above 200 level.
International Relations and Security Studies specialisation
Within the BA and BSocSc Political Science majors, a specialisation in International Relations and Security Studies is available. This specialisation enables students to develop a particular knowledge of international relations and security theory, and relevant contemporary events.
To complete a specialisation in International Relations and Security Studies, students must meet the requirements of the major, with at least 95 points from the following papers: POLS103, POLS104, POLS206, POLS211, POLS224, POLS229, POLS314, POLS315, and POLS318.
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Documents
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: pols-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: pols-grad@waikato.ac.nz