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Population Studies

Learn about Population Studies through the Te Ngira Institute for Population Research at Waikato and gain a solid, research-led understanding of the population issues facing developed and developing countries, with a particular emphasis on the South Pacific.

Te Ngira Institute for Population Research is a research institute based in the University's School of Social Sciences. It is New Zealand's sole national institute of demographic and population-focused research, and the only such unit to generate and coordinate New Zealand research in population studies.

Population problems are among the most serious challenges we face for the 21st Century. Population issues have implications for the environment, employment, families, health, urbanisation, migration, security in old age and refugee movements. It is vital that research develops integrated approaches to these issues, and policy makers and planners pay serious attention to population trends, their causes and effects.

At Waikato, our Population Studies programme takes a particular look at trends in New Zealand and the broader South Pacific region. You will learn about, and be involved in, research into Māori demography, population health, family structures and formation, fertility, the labour force and employment relating to New Zealand, as well as work on India, Africa, Europe, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific. You will become familiar with themes such as mortality, social policy, fertility, migration, families and households, labour force and income, and will understand the contrasting population problems faced by developed and developing countries.

The institute's researchers are internationally and locally recognised. Your study will provide unique insights into how population studies research is being used to shape New Zealand's future, an understanding you can carry with you into careers in the health, finance, environmental and social science sectors.

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Key information

Study Locations:Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Area of Study:

Career opportunities

  • Health Sector Analyst
  • Merchant Banker
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Sciences Researcher

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CSMAX101The World of Data15.023B (Hamilton)
This paper teaches students how to build datasets for analysis in health science, and critically evaluate and effectively present the results of such analyses, using commonly used software such as Excel, R, and SPSS. Students are introduced to issues of privacy, and cultural considerations for Maori and Indigenous health.
DATAX121Introduction to Statistical Methods15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Secondary School - Unistart)
An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
GEOGY101Sustainable Geographies15.023B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga)
An introduction to the rich field of social and cultural geography with links to the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals. A foundation paper for second year papers on contemporary cultural geographies, health geographies, and Maori geographies.
MAORI150Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi15.023A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time.
PSYCH101Social Psychology, Health and Well-being15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts.
SOCIO101Introduction to Sociology15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies.
SOCPY100Introduction to Social Policy15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other democratic societies.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
GEOGY209Health, People, Place15.023B (Online)
This paper draws on critical analysis of health, people and place to introduce contemporary developments in socio-cultural geography. Attention is paid to spatial well-being at a range of scales.
HELTH201Epidemiology and Bio-statistics15.023B (Hamilton)
This course provides students with basic understanding of the techniques and uses of epidemiology in preventing poor health, health planning and evaluation.
POLCY212Power, Politics and Policy Analysis15.023A (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.
POPST201Population Studies15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of Population Studies. Students will develop a sound understanding of the demographic drivers of population change and composition, while exploring some of the rich theories and methodological approaches which comprise Population Studies.
PSYCH211Understanding Psychological Research15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
This paper will cover the basic methodological approaches relevant to psychological and social science research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of research.
SOCPY200Social Policy and Social Issues15.023A (Online) & 23A (Tauranga)
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 problems, such as poverty.
SOCPY201Child Poverty & Social Policy15.023A (Online)
This paper develops students' theoretical understanding of social policy, focusing on the effects of child poverty. We examine how policy shapes and responds to poverty experienced by children and families.

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
ALPSS390Directed Study15.023X (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.
GEOGY309Social and Cultural Geographies of Difference15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper is a forum for debate in critical geographies of difference. Key concerns are intersections between gender, ethnicity, nationality and other social divisions in relation to place and environment.
GEOGY328Geographical Information Systems15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
GIS is used widely in a range of industries and government agencies, and graduates competent in GIS are sort after for employment. This paper is compulsory for the GIS minor and covers all aspects of GIS analysis, including remote sensing and model building. ArcGIS Pro is used in the labs and students have the opportunity to instal...
GNSEX303Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities15.023B (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...
POPST300Population Studies Work-related Project15.023X (Hamilton)
This work-related project is mostly a university-based project with a focus on a workplace or community organisation relevant to population studies and research. Projects provide an opportunity to students utilise population studies skills and techniques and to reflect on the relevance of disciplinary knowledge in a professional se...
POPST302Exploring Population Change15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online)
This paper applies methods for measuring population size, composition and change, which are used extensively for understanding population issues in public policy, human resource planning, forecasting and business planning.
POPST305Migration, Mobilities and Displacement15.0No occurrences
An examination of contemporary international migration with a particular focus on the drivers of migration, the social and structural forces that influence migration and the implications of different modes of governance.
PSYCH302Community, Culture and Diversity15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
The focus of this paper is the study of social justice, intersectionality, transformative interventions, and social change strategies that are central to community, indigenous and liberation psychologies. Issues covered include inequalities, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and (dis)ability. Key considerations are the broader co...
SOCIO303Big Tech, Big Data, Algorithms and Society15.023A (Online)
Thinking sociologically about digital technologies: algorithms in social life, surveillance, disinformation, the gig economy and precarity. What does it mean to do sociology in the age of big tech?
SOCPY300Social Policy15.023B (Online)
This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and extended to enhance opportunities for employment in the social policy field.
SOCPY301Health, Wellbeing and Policy15.023B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga)
This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.

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Subject links

Te Ngira Institute for Population Research


Subject Requirements

Full requirements for Population Studies as a single major, part of a double major, or a minor subject are available in the Catalogue of Papers.


Contacts

School of Social Sciences
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4040
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]