Master of Technology Innovation in Business
The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a dynamic and cutting-edge program, the...
Master of Social Sciences - Social Policy
Hamilton, Tauranga
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
The University of Waikato, nestled in the heart of New Zealand, offers a Master of Social Sciences in Social Policy designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of social issues and policies. This program delves into the complexities of societal welfare, governance structures, and the impact of policies on diverse communities.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master of Social Sciences - Social Policy at the University of Waikato is meticulously designed to cover a wide array of topics. It encompasses core modules on social policy analysis, welfare economics, governance, and policy implementation. Elective courses provide flexibility for students to tailor their studies, diving deeper into areas such as social justice, indigenous policies, and comparative social policy frameworks.
Research Focus: The University of Waikato boasts a robust research focus within its Social Sciences faculty, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research initiatives. The program emphasizes critical analysis, encouraging students to explore pressing social issues and contribute to the field through independent research projects. The university's research centers and collaborations facilitate an environment conducive to innovative and impactful research in social policy.
Industry Engagement: The Master's program at Waikato emphasizes industry relevance and fosters strong ties with governmental bodies, NGOs, and community organizations. Through internships, guest lectures, and real-world case studies, students gain practical insights into policy-making processes and societal challenges. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding and prepares them for impactful careers in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.
Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and a faculty comprised of internationally renowned scholars, the University of Waikato offers a global perspective in its Social Sciences programs. The curriculum integrates global comparative perspectives, encouraging students to analyze social policies within an international context. Additionally, the university's partnerships with institutions worldwide provide opportunities for global exchanges and cross-cultural learning experiences.
Location
Hamilton, Tauranga
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
NZD 35903
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.
Graduating from the Master of Social Sciences - Social Policy program at the University of Waikato opens up a spectrum of rewarding career paths in various sectors due to the interdisciplinary and versatile nature of the degree.
Public Policy Analyst: With a deep understanding of social issues and policy frameworks, graduates can excel as public policy analysts. They evaluate and formulate policies, collaborating with government bodies or think tanks to address societal challenges effectively.
Social Researcher: Equipped with robust research skills, graduates can pursue roles as social researchers. They conduct studies, analyze data, and contribute to understanding social phenomena, aiding governments, NGOs, or research institutions.
Community Development Officer: Graduates can engage as community development officers, working closely with communities to identify needs, implement programs, and advocate for social change and welfare improvements.
Non-Profit Manager/Administrator: In the non-profit sector, graduates can thrive as managers or administrators, overseeing operations, fundraising, and program management for organizations focusing on social welfare and advocacy.
Policy Advisor/Consultant: Employment as policy advisors or consultants allows graduates to offer expertise to governmental bodies, advising on policy implications, conducting evaluations, and suggesting improvements.
Social Justice Advocate: Graduates passionate about social justice can pursue roles as advocates, working for human rights organizations, lobbying for policy changes, and raising awareness about societal inequalities.
International Development Specialist: For those inclined towards global issues, careers as international development specialists are viable. Graduates can work with international agencies, focusing on global policy initiatives and sustainable development goals.
