Course details

Summary

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.

Education and Society

Education and Society today has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring issues of social policy, culture, gender, work and leisure. Since education is as much concerned with who we might become as who we already are, it is relevant to all our collective and personal decision-making on questions of justice, rights and freedom.

Education and Society is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc. Education and Society 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 Education and Society, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in Education and Society, including 60 points at 200 level, including at least 40 points from PCSS coded papers, one of which is PCSS201, PCSS205 or PCSS231, and 60 points at 300 level, including at least 40 points from PCSS coded papers. As well as the 100 level prerequisites specified for papers at 200 level and above, it is recommended that students intending to major in Education and Society include one or more of HDCO100, HIST107, PHIL150, PSYC102, SMST102, SOCY101, TIKA163 or TIKA164 in the first year of their programme of study.

To complete a supporting subject in Education Studies, students must gain 30 points at 100 level, including PCSS101 and one of HDCO100, HIST107, PHIL150, PSYC102, SMST102, SOCY101, TIKA163 or TIKA164, and at least 40 points above 100 level, including one of PCSS201, PCSS205 or PCSS231.

Note: Candidates must gain at least 60 points at 100 level in any subject(s) before enrolling in Education and Society papers above 100 level, and at least 90 points at 100 and 200 level before enrolling in Education Studies papers above 200 level. The (NET) offerings may include an on-campus component.

Entry criteria

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.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.