A Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) builds on the Bachelors or Honours qualification you've already gained. When studying for your MSocSc, you'll focus on your preferred Social Science subject area and you'll immerse yourself in a high-level programme of study. You'll learn the latest research techniques and be updated on recent developments in knowledge relating to your chosen field.
You'll be preparing for a dissertation or thesis, so will be conducting a substantial amount of your own independent research. If you think you may want to complete a doctorate level qualification later on, completing a MSocSc prepares you for that next level of academic study.
As you grow your knowledge of your chosen subject area, you'll be refining your intellectual skills, particularly your ability to think critically, problem solve and analyse. This will enable you to prepare for leadership roles in fields related to your subject area.
Industry Connections
During your studies, you'll be supervised by well-connected Faculty members who have networks with people working in a wide range of sectors, from business to government.
These people, including representatives from local and central government and tribal authorities, provide input into the different subject areas. Members of community groups, business organisations and industrial and professional groups do the same – they provide valuable support and input. The subject area experts themselves provide consultancy services that the community in general needs, so there are broader links and connections made through this sharing of knowledge.
Career opportunities
- Clinical or Community Psychologist
- Coastal Resource Officer
- Communications Coordinator
- Community Health Administrator
- Counsellor
- Demographer
- Economist
- Educator (Primary, Secondary or Tertiary Sector)
- Environmental Planner
- Hazards and Emergency Management Officer
- Human Resources Advisor
- Industrial Relations Advocate
- Journalist
- Policy Analyst
- PR Consultant
- Research Executive
- Social Services Manager
- Tourism Consultant
- Union Organiser
Key information
| Study Locations | Hamilton |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
| Years | 1.5 |
| Start Dates | Semester A (February) and Semester B (July) |
| Domestic Fees |
$6,616-$7,926 per year See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| International Fees | $27,830 - $31,495 per year |
| Tuition fees shown above 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. | |
Subjects
These are all the subjects available for the Master of Social Sciences
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Graduate study options
Admission and enrolment
Following the successful completion of the BSocSc or BSocSc(Hons) you may apply for the Master of Social Sciences degree. The MSocSc is awarded with classes of honours.
To be admitted to the MSocSc, you must have completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences (or equivalent) or a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (or equivalent) in the same subject and must have achieved a satisfactory grade average – normally a B+ average or better.
You will also need to have appropriate supervision arranged.
Admission criteria may vary so please consult the appropriate programme Graduate Adviser for their specific criteria. Admission to the MSocSc requires the agreement of the Chair of School or Programme Convenor of the main subject or programme and agreement of the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences (or nominee).
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080
Email: wfass@waikato.ac.nz
Degree Structure
For students admitted directly from the BSocSc, the MSocSc involves three semesters of full-time study (18 months) or the equivalent in part-time study. It is made up of 180 points which can comprise either a 120-point thesis and 60 points from approved 500 level papers; or a 90-point thesis and 90 points from approved 500 level papers; or a 60-point thesis and 120 points from approved 500 level papers. In all cases you must also include a research foundations paper.
For students admitted from the BSocSc(Hons), the MSocSc involves two semesters of full-time study (12 months) or the equivalent in part-time study. It is made up of 120 points which can comprise either a 120-point thesis; or a 90-point thesis and 30 points from approved 500 level papers; or a 60-point thesis and 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
Note(s):
The undergraduate subject of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IR&HRM) is an interdisciplinary major of related papers which at graduate level exists as a specialisation as part of Labour Studies or as a stream within Labour Studies. Similarly, Tourism Studies is a stream within Geography.
Students enrolled in the MSocSc may take up to 60 points from other subjects, subject to approval from the School. You should discuss your intended programme with the Graduate Adviser in each of the Faculties or Schools concerned.