Master of Arts - Social Policy

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a range of scholarships specifically tailored to support international students pursuing their academic aspirations. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education.

International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Waikato. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable based on academic performance.

International Bursary: The International Bursary aims to support outstanding students by providing a financial contribution toward tuition fees for the first year of study at the university. It is available to eligible international students undertaking full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme: This prestigious scholarship program is designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate leadership potential and excel academically. Recipients receive financial assistance along with additional support for leadership development and networking opportunities.

Pacific Excellence Scholarship: Dedicated to students from Pacific countries, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to cover a portion of tuition fees for selected undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Waikato offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, aiming to support students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Research Scholarships: For international students pursuing research degrees (Ph.D. or Master's by Research), the university offers various scholarships to support their research endeavors. These scholarships provide financial assistance, allowing students to focus on their studies and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives at the university.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Social Policy program at the University of Waikato possess a profound understanding of social issues and policies, enabling them to pursue diverse and impactful career paths in the field of social policy and related sectors.

Policy Analyst: Many graduates embark on careers as policy analysts, working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, analyzing social issues and formulating policy recommendations.

Social Researcher: Professionals can work as social researchers, conducting research on societal issues, evaluating policies, and providing evidence-based recommendations for policy improvements.

Social Policy Advisor: Graduates may pursue roles as social policy advisors, providing guidance to governmental or non-governmental organizations on social policy development and implementation.

Community Development Officer: Professionals can work in community development roles, collaborating with communities to address social issues, and developing programs to enhance community well-being.

Policy Advocate or Lobbyist: Graduates may work as policy advocates or lobbyists, representing organizations or interest groups to influence policy decisions and advocate for social change.

Program Evaluator: Professionals can specialize in program evaluation, assessing the effectiveness of social programs and policies to ensure they meet their intended objectives.

Social Justice Advocate: Graduates may work as social justice advocates, promoting equity, fairness, and human rights through advocacy, education, and policy analysis.

Non-Profit Manager: Professionals can manage non-profit organizations focused on social issues, overseeing operations, fundraising, and program development.

Government Policy Officer: Graduates may work as policy officers within government departments, contributing to the formulation and implementation of social policies.

Human Services Coordinator: Professionals can coordinate human services programs, working for governmental or non-profit organizations to provide essential services to vulnerable populations.