Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc)

New Zealand

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What will I learn?

Studying for a Master of Social Sciences at Waikato challenges you to take your understanding of theoretical subject matter to an advanced level.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. During your studies, you'll be supervised by well-connected staff 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.

Majors

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Education and Society
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Which department am I in?

School of Social Sciences

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
NZ$57,572.50 (28,97,604) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

March 2025

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
NZ$57,572.50 (28,97,604) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

July 2025

Venue

Hamilton Campus

Gate 1, Knighton Road,

HAMILTON,

Hillcrest,

3216, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For students from United States

You must have completed a bachelors degree (or equivalent) or bachelors degree with honours (or equivalent) in the same subject and must have achieved a satisfactory grade average - normally a B average or better. For Master of Design & Master of Media and Creative Technologies only bachelors degree is accepted.

For international students

Candidates for the Degree must have

  • qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Social Sciences of the University of Waikato with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
  • qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours of the University of Waikato with at least second class honours (second division), or a Postgraduate Diploma with at least a B grade average, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, and
  • satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit and relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the requirements of these regulations may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

English Language Requirements

  • an Academic IELTS Overall score of at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band), or
  • a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
  • a TOEFL iBT Home Edition overall score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
  • a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
  • a PTE Academic overall score of 56 with no band less than 46, or
  • a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) C1 Expert with an overall high pass and no less than a pass in each skill, or
  • a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 38-50 score per skill

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

Pathways options

Offered by this university

The University of Waikato offers below pathways course for this subject
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About The University of Waikato

Student experience at the Waikato is rated Highly Satisfiable.

  • Based in New Zealand, one of the most peaceful countries
  • Top 3 universities in New Zealand according to QS rankings
  • #1 in New Zealand for Research by QS rankings
  • Top 1 percent of business schools in the world