Population Studies (2023)

Population Studies is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Population Studies may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Population Studies as a single major for the BA or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Population Studies, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include 30 points from the 100 level papers listed, POPST201, and at least 30 points from POPST coded papers at 300 level.

To complete Population Studies as part of a double major for the BA, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Population Studies, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include POPST201, and at least 30 points from POPST coded papers at 300 level.

To complete a minor in Population Studies, students must complete at least 60 points from the papers listed for Population Studies, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete POPST201, and at least one POPST coded 300 level paper.

Enquiries about undergraduate programmes in Population Studies should be directed to the undergraduate advisor.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(PopSt) and GradDip(PopSt)
• Prescriptions for the MPhil
• Prescriptions for the PhD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(PopSt) and GradDip(PopSt)

  A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Population Studies at an advanced level in their first degree.

  For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.

• Prescriptions for the MPhil

  The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

• Prescriptions for the PhD

  The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

• 100 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  CSMAX101	The World of Data	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper teaches students how to build datasets for analysis in health science, and critically evaluate and effectively present the results of such analyses, using commonly used software such as Excel, R, and SPSS. Students are introduced to issues of privacy, and cultural considerations for Maori and Indigenous health.
  DATAX121	Introduction to Statistical Methods	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Secondary School - Unistart)
  An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
  GEOGY101	Sustainable Geographies	15.0	23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga)
  An introduction to the rich field of social and cultural geography with links to the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals. A foundation paper for second year papers on contemporary cultural geographies, health geographies, and Maori geographies.
  MAORI150	Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time.
  PSYCH101	Social Psychology, Health and Well-being	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper will introduce major issues in psychology particularly as they relate to health, wellbeing, mental illness, forensic psychology, lifespan development, and social factors in a range of contexts.
  SOCIO101	Introduction to Sociology	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies.
  SOCPY100	Introduction to Social Policy	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other democratic societies.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  GEOGY209	Health, People, Place	15.0	23B (Online)
  This paper draws on critical analysis of health, people and place to introduce contemporary developments in socio-cultural geography. Attention is paid to spatial well-being at a range of scales.
  HELTH201	Epidemiology and Bio-statistics	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This course provides students with basic understanding of the techniques and uses of epidemiology in preventing poor health, health planning and evaluation.
  POLCY212	Power, Politics and Policy Analysis	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to public policy analysis. Students focus on the role of politics, public participation and policy in addressing society's big problems, how they are framed and defined, and how solutions are developed and implemented within the context of the policy process.
  POPST201	Population Studies	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
  This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of Population Studies. Students will develop a sound understanding of the demographic drivers of population change and composition, while exploring some of the rich theories and methodological approaches which comprise Population Studies.
  PSYCH211	Understanding Psychological Research	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  This paper will cover the basic methodological approaches relevant to psychological and social science research, including research design, data collection, data analysis, and the dissemination of research.
  SOCPY200	Social Policy and Social Issues	15.0	23A (Online) & 23A (Tauranga)
  The paper continues the study of social policy at 200 level. The focus of this paper is on the welfare state, the policy cycle as well as social problems, such as poverty.
  SOCPY201	Child Poverty & Social Policy	15.0	23A (Online)
  This paper develops students' theoretical understanding of social policy, focusing on the effects of child poverty. We examine how policy shapes and responds to poverty experienced by children and families.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS390	Directed Study	15.0	23X (Hamilton)
  This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
  GEOGY309	Social and Cultural Geographies of Difference	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper is a forum for debate in critical geographies of difference. Key concerns are intersections between gender, ethnicity, nationality and other social divisions in relation to place and environment.
  GEOGY328	Geographical Information Systems	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
  GIS is used widely in a range of industries and government agencies, and graduates competent in GIS are sort after for employment. This paper is compulsory for the GIS minor and covers all aspects of GIS analysis, including remote sensing and model building. ArcGIS Pro is used in the labs and students have the opportunity to instal...
  GNSEX303	Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical context for understanding contemporary issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social class. It investigates micro and macro level experiences and the social construction of identities. In doing so, this paper looks at how power is distributed in society, the theories that...
  POPST300	Population Studies Work-related Project	15.0	23X (Hamilton)
  This work-related project is mostly a university-based project with a focus on a workplace or community organisation relevant to population studies and research. Projects provide an opportunity to students utilise population studies skills and techniques and to reflect on the relevance of disciplinary knowledge in a professional se...
  POPST302	Exploring Population Change	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online)
  This paper applies methods for measuring population size, composition and change, which are used extensively for understanding population issues in public policy, human resource planning, forecasting and business planning.
  POPST305	Migration, Mobilities and Displacement	15.0	No occurrences
  An examination of contemporary international migration with a particular focus on the drivers of migration, the social and structural forces that influence migration and the implications of different modes of governance.
  PSYCH302	Community, Culture and Diversity	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  The focus of this paper is the study of social justice, intersectionality, transformative interventions, and social change strategies that are central to community, indigenous and liberation psychologies. Issues covered include inequalities, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and (dis)ability. Key considerations are the broader co...
  SOCIO303	Big Tech, Big Data, Algorithms and Society	15.0	23A (Online)
  Thinking sociologically about digital technologies: algorithms in social life, surveillance, disinformation, the gig economy and precarity. What does it mean to do sociology in the age of big tech?
  SOCPY300	Social Policy	15.0	23B (Online)
  This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and extended to enhance opportunities for employment in the social policy field.
  SOCPY301	Health, Wellbeing and Policy	15.0	23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.