Master of Philosophy Anthropology (Research)

The Master of Philosophy in Anthropology (Research) at the University of Waikato is a specialized program designed to foster advanced research skills and expertise in anthropology. It aims to equip students with the necessary tools to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of anthropology.

Curriculum: The curriculum is tailored to provide a solid foundation in research methodologies, anthropological theories, and specialized areas within anthropology. Courses might cover qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethnographic fieldwork, anthropological theories, and seminars focusing on contemporary anthropological issues. Students primarily engage in independent research under the guidance of a supervisor.

Research Focus: The program places a significant emphasis on research, encouraging students to explore diverse anthropological research topics. Students work on a thesis or dissertation, focusing on areas such as cultural anthropology, social anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, or other specialized branches of anthropology, contributing original insights to the field.

Industry Engagement: While the primary focus of the program is academic research, there might be opportunities for collaboration with industry partners or communities for ethnographic fieldwork, collaborative research projects, or applied anthropological studies, enabling practical applications of anthropological research.

Global Perspective: The Master of Philosophy in Anthropology (Research) acknowledges the global nature of anthropological research and practices. It explores cultural diversity, cross-cultural perspectives, global issues, and the impact of globalization on cultures and societies. Students are encouraged to consider global perspectives in their research work.

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 from the Master of Philosophy in Anthropology (Research) program at the University of Waikato have diverse career opportunities within the realm of academia, research institutions, and various fields that value anthropological expertise.

Academic Researcher/Professor: Professionals can pursue careers as academic researchers or professors in universities, conducting anthropological research, teaching courses, and contributing to the academic community through publications and research papers.

Ethnographer: Graduates may work as ethnographers, conducting fieldwork to study different cultures, social structures, and traditions for research projects, governmental organizations, or NGOs.

Cultural Resource Manager: Professionals can specialize in cultural resource management, working in heritage preservation, museums, or cultural institutions, managing and preserving cultural artifacts and historical sites.

Anthropological Consultant: Graduates may work as consultants, offering anthropological expertise to organizations, businesses, or government agencies on issues related to cultural diversity, social impact assessments, or community development projects.

Applied Anthropologist: Professionals can work as applied anthropologists, utilizing anthropological methods and theories to address real-world problems in areas such as public health, community development, international development, or policy analysis.

Archaeologist: Graduates may pursue careers in archaeology, conducting research, excavations, and preservation of archaeological sites, contributing to historical and cultural understanding.

Cultural Anthropologist: Professionals can specialize as cultural anthropologists, studying and documenting various cultural practices, social structures, and belief systems within societies.

Museum Curator/Researcher: Graduates may work in museums as curators or researchers, managing collections, conducting research on cultural artifacts, and contributing to exhibitions and educational programs.

Non-profit/NGO Work: Professionals can work in non-profit organizations or NGOs, applying anthropological knowledge in community-based projects, social advocacy, or cultural preservation initiatives.

Policy Analyst/Researcher: Graduates may work in governmental bodies or research institutions as policy analysts or researchers, providing insights into cultural policies, social issues, or international relations from an anthropological perspective.