Master of Arts - Political Science

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 Arts in Political Science program at the University of Waikato possess versatile skills applicable to various career paths within the public and private sectors.

Policy Analyst/Advisor: Graduates can work as policy analysts or advisors, contributing to policy development and analysis for government agencies, NGOs, or think tanks, influencing decision-making processes.

Government Official/Civil Servant: Professionals can pursue careers in governmental roles, serving as political aides, public administrators, or diplomats, contributing to governance, public service, or international relations.

Political Researcher/Consultant: Graduates can work as political researchers or consultants, conducting research for political parties, advocacy groups, or research firms, providing insights into political trends and public opinions.

International Relations Specialist: Proficient individuals can pursue careers in international relations, working for international organizations, diplomatic services, or multinational corporations, dealing with global political issues, diplomacy, or foreign affairs.

Political Journalist/Reporter: Graduates can work as political journalists, reporters, or media analysts, covering political developments, conducting interviews, and writing articles for news outlets, websites, or broadcast media.

Community Organizer/Advocate: Professionals can work as community organizers or advocates, promoting social causes, organizing campaigns, or working with NGOs to address social, environmental, or political issues.

Corporate/Government Relations Specialist: Graduates can work in corporate or government relations roles, facilitating interactions between businesses and government entities, ensuring compliance, or influencing policy formulation.

Research/Teaching Assistant: Proficient individuals can assist in academic research or teaching roles, supporting professors, conducting research, or pursuing further academic studies in political science.