Master of Social Sciences - Philosophy

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 Social Sciences in Philosophy program at the University of Waikato possess advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills in philosophy, enabling them to pursue diverse career paths.

Academia/Teaching: Graduates may choose academic careers, becoming professors, lecturers, or researchers at universities or colleges, teaching philosophy and conducting research.

Researcher/Research Analyst: Professionals might work as researchers or research analysts, conducting philosophical research in various fields, including ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and political philosophy.

Policy Analyst/Governmental Work: Careers in policy analysis or governmental roles are viable options, utilizing critical thinking skills to analyze policies, engage in public administration, or contribute to government initiatives.

Journalism/Writing: Philosophy graduates can pursue careers in journalism, writing articles or books on philosophical topics, contributing to newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

Consulting/Ethics Advisory Roles: Opportunities exist in consulting firms or as ethics advisors, providing guidance on ethical matters to businesses, organizations, or governmental bodies.

Nonprofit/NGO Work: Graduates might work in nonprofit or non-governmental organizations, focusing on social issues, human rights, or advocacy that aligns with their philosophical interests.

Publishing/Editing: Professionals may work in publishing houses or as editors, handling philosophical literature, academic journals, or books in the field of philosophy.

Think Tanks/Policy Institutes: Careers in think tanks or policy institutes, contributing to policy discussions, analysis, and the development of philosophical perspectives on societal issues.

Counseling/Therapy: Philosophy graduates could pursue counseling or therapy roles, applying philosophical principles to mental health support or ethics counseling.

Arts/Cultural Sectors: Opportunities in arts and cultural institutions, where critical thinking and philosophical perspectives are valued, such as museums, galleries, or cultural organizations.