Sociology
Sociology at Waikato moves you beyond assumptions and explores who we are and our place in the world. You'll study human relationships and how societies form. Sociology at Waikato is highly respected and is a top 250 QS-rated subject.
You'll explore how people organise and form groups, form larger social structures, and how societies evolve over time. As a budding sociologist, you'll be challenged to assume little in the hopes of clearing the way for new conclusions.
You'll ask questions like how different groups view social reality and why certain views become accepted within groups over time. You'll dissect the interwoven nature and influence of parents, peers, elders, teachers and the media on society. We'll also challenge you to consider why some societies are war-torn while others remain peaceful – why some behaviour is acceptable while others are less desirable. You'll look for solutions and debate how societies change.
Sociology at Waikato takes a thematic approach and includes papers in criminology, the family, popular culture and theoretical perspectives. As part of a degree in Sociology papers in social policy, women and gender studies and labour studies can be included.
Teaching staff provide plenty of mentoring and direction along the way and allow students opportunities to throw out ideas in a relaxed and informal learning environment. Studying Sociology at Waikato will open your eyes to the inner workings of society and how people drive them.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga, Online Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
|---|---|
| Faculty: |
Study Sociology in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- 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
Study Sociology as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies (China only)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- 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
- Heritage Presenter
- Iwi Development Officer
- Media or Social Commentator
- Social Analyst
- Social Researcher
- Youth or Social Service Worker
Study in Tauranga
In Tauranga, you can major in Sociology within these degrees:
Papers
Available Sociology papers
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Socy) and GradDip(Socy)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Sociology at an advanced level in their first degree. Each programme of study for the Graduate Certificate must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper and at least one SOCIO coded 300 level paper. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper, and at least two SOCIO coded 300 level papers.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(Socy), PGDip(Socy) and BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, a student should normally have at least a B average in either the best three of their 300 level Sociology papers or all their undergraduate Sociology papers. Students who do not meet this requirement should discuss their proposed programme of study with the Programme Convenor prior to confirming their enrolment.
To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCIO591), and at least 30 points from other SOCIO coded 500 level papers. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed, especially if they are considering going on with further graduate study.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Sociology, a student should have completed either:
a) a BSocSc with a major in Sociology (or equivalent) and have gained 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 Sociology (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division).
Completion requirements for the MSocSc in Sociology vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 60 points from SOCIO coded papers, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed.
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 SOCIO592, or SOCIO593, and at least an A- average to be admitted to SOCIO594.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ECONS102 | Economics and Society | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces selected economic models, with a focus on developing and applying critical thinking skills to a range of business and social issues and to economic policies. | ||
| GNSEX101 | Gender and Sexuality: Representations and Realities | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers issues related to gender, sexuality, and the body including health issues, media representations, gender based violence, and forms of resistance. | ||
| HMDEV100 | Lifespan Development | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Online) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan. | ||
| MAORI150 | Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi | 20A (Tauranga) & 20B (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. | ||
| PACIS100 | Introduction to Pacific Histories, Languages and Cultures | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to foundational elements of Pacific Studies, including various histories, languages and cultures and their importance to contemporary societies, surveying a number of Pacific Nations. | ||
| SOCIO101 | Introduction to Sociology | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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. | ||
| SOCIO102 | Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context. | ||
| SOCPY100 | Introduction to Social Policy | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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. | ||
| WKEMP100 | Work, Employment and Society | 20B (Hamilton) |
| The purpose of this paper is to focus on the interdisciplinary account of the changing forms and social contexts of work from ancient times to the present and beyond. | ||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHY201 | Ethnicity and Identity | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on ethnicity and related categories of division such as "race" and nation. It explores how these concepts link to identity in different cultures and societies. | ||
| CMYHE202 | Understanding Healthy Bodies: Sociocultural Perspectives | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops a sociocultural understanding of healthy bodies. | ||
| ECONS200 | Understanding the Global Economy | 20A (Hamilton) & 20X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper focuses on developing understanding of contemporary global issues, including economic well-being, sustainable growth, emerging economies, world trade and globalisation. | ||
| MAORI250 | Māori Politics | 20A (Hamilton) & 20B (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. | ||
| POPST201 | Population Studies | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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. | ||
| SOCIO200 | Modern Sociology and Western Capitalism: A Cosmopolitan Perspective | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online) |
| This paper examines the ascendancy of modern sociology, from the classic works of Karl Max, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber to contemporary themes such as cosmopolitanism, globalisation and individualisation. | ||
| SOCIO203 | Popular Culture | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| This paper offers a sociological perspective on historical and contemporary forms of popular culture. | ||
| SOCPY200 | Social Policy and Social Issues | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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. | ||
| SSRES200 | Social Science Research Methods | 20A (Online) & 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces the core research methods used in the social sciences. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are introduced, along with consideration of aspects such as ethics and the Treaty of Waitangi. | ||
| WKEMP201 | Employment Relations in New Zealand | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the employment relations legislation and its impact on employers, unions and workers. Other issues considered include occupational health and safety, industrial training and practice of employment relations | ||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| GNSEX303 | Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities | 20A (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... | ||
| MAORI303 | Critical Indigenous Theory | 20B (Hamilton) |
| This paper looks at the key theoretical influences, from Marxism to post-structuralism, upon critical Indigenous studies and the most significant writings by those Indigenous scholars who have chosen to engage with critical theory. | ||
| POPST302 | Exploring Population Change | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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. | ||
| SDCOA303 | Sport, Media and Communication | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper expands students' critical sociocultural understanding of the media. Students will develop knowledge of the production and consumption of various forms of media (including social media), and have the opportunity to develop skills in critical media analysis and production. | ||
| SOCIO302 | Globalisation and International Development | 20B (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. | ||
| SOCIO303 | Technologies, Algorithms and Social Life | 20B (Online) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| The sociological investigation of social relations facilitated by the Internet, the Web 2.0 paradigm, and extended through the 'internet of things' and the increasing role algorithms and other non-human actors in decision-making. | ||
| SOCIO311 | Current Issues in Criminal Justice | 20B (Online) |
| This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice. | ||
| SOCIO390 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton), 20D (Hamilton), 20G (Hamilton) & 20S (Hamilton) |
| Students may, with the approval of the programme convenor and the proposed supervisor, undertake an individual programme of study within the field of Sociology. | ||
| SOCPY300 | Social Policy | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga) |
| 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. | ||
| SOCPY301 | Health, Wellbeing and Policy | 20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level. | ||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| EDUCA557 | Research Methods | 20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Online) & 20S (Block) |
| This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research. | ||
| MAORI570 | Te Mahi Rangahau: Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Research Methods and Issues | 20A (Online) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper introduces students to a range of research issues, helps students identify and apply the most effective methodology, understand, review and apply various research methods including kaupapa Maori and indigenous epistemologies. | ||
| POPST509 | Research Methods for Population Analysis | 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online) |
| This paper provides students with hands-on experience conducting population research, working with real world data to analyse to investigate population issues. Students will gain a sound understanding of how to access, analyse and interpret data and how to communicate their findings, skills directly applicable to a range of policy,... | ||
| SOCIO500 | Comparative Indigenous Criminology | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on a critical comparison of indigenous people's experiences of crime control policies and interventions in settler-colonial jurisdictions. | ||
| SOCIO503 | Comparative Indigenous Criminology | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper offers students an opportunity to engage in in-depth critique and analysis of Indigenous peoples' experiences of crime control in settler colonial contexts. By focussing on the 'big four' settler colonial jurisdictions, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, the US and Australia, the paper is also designed to introduce students ... | ||
| SOCIO504 | Marx, Marxism, and Beyond: Contesting Perspectives | 20B (Hamilton) |
| Marx's theory of capitalist society is examined with reference to the contested history of twentieth century Marxism and the related development of neo-Marxist and post-Marxist perspecitves. | ||
| SOCIO589 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton) & 20S (Hamilton) |
| 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 criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. | ||
| SOCIO590 | Directed Study | 20A (Hamilton), 20B (Hamilton), 20D (Hamilton) & 20S (Hamilton) |
| 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 criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. | ||
| SOCIO591 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| SOCIO592 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| SOCIO593 | Sociology Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| SOCIO594 | Sociology Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| SOCPY507 | Gender and Development | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This graduate paper explores fundamental constructs of feminishm within the context of development schemes and policies. | ||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| SOCY800 | Sociology MPhil Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| SOCY900 | Sociology PhD Thesis | 20I (Hamilton), 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| No description available. | ||
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
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4138
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: socy-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: socy-grad@waikato.ac.nz