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.

Women's and Gender Studies

Women’s lives, their status in society, the nature of contemporary gender relations, and the social construction of femininities, masculinities and sexualities, are the topics at the heart of Women's and Gender Studies at Waikato. Learn what critical thinkers have to say on these subjects, and bring your own understanding to the mix.

Women’s and Gender Studies at Waikato offers specialised knowledge of gender relations and social change in relation to the media, health, paid and unpaid work, education, sexuality, social policy and the law.

Adding Women’s and Gender Studies to your degree will enable you to develop critical thinking skills, and prepare you to respond effectively to a wide range of social justice issues. Students who enjoy social sciences and history, and are interested in learning more about women’s and men’s roles in society today and in the past, will find the subject a stimulating addition to their degree, either as a major or supporting subject.

Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary subject. It goes particularly well with sociology, social policy, anthropology, education studies, geography, history, law and psychology.

There are employment opportunities for Women's and Gender Studies graduates within advocacy groups, government agencies, human rights organisations, non-governmental organisations and social services agencies.

Career opportunities

• Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
• Gender Consultant
• Gender Development Project Coordinator
• Human Resource Manager
• Human Rights Advocate
• Policy Analyst

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.