Political Science (2024)

Political Science is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Political Science may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Political Science as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Political Science, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include POLSC102 and POLSC103, or 15 points from POLSC102 and POLSC103 and 15 points from IRSST103 and IRSST104; and POLSC201 and POLSC211, or 15 points from POLSC201 and POLSC211, and 15 points from IRSST206 and POLCY212.

To complete Political Science as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Political Science, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include POLSC102 and POLSC103, or 15 points from POLSC102 and POLSC103, and 15 points from IRSST103 and IRSST104; and POLSC201 and POLSC211, or 15 points from POLSC201 and POLSC211, and 15 points from IRSST206 and POLCY212.

To complete a minor in Political Science, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Political Science major, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must include at least one of POLSC102 or POLSC103, and one of POLSC201 or POLSC211; and select their remaining papers from the papers listed for the Political Science major.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(PolSc) and GradDip(PolSc)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(PolSc), PGDip(PolSc), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc
• Prescriptions for the MPhil
• Prescriptions for the PhD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level
• 800 Level
• 900 Level

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

  A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Political Science 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 PGCert(PolSc), PGDip(PolSc), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc

  To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Political Science, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally POLSC591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Political Science.

  To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in Political Science, a student must have completed either:

  a) a BA or BSocSc in Political Science or Public Policy (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

  b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Political Science or Public Policy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in Political Science or Public Policy (or equivalent) with at least a B average, and

  c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

  Completion requirements for the MA or MSocSc in Political Science vary according to admission criteria:

  Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc. Within the 180 points students must also complete ALPSS500, and at least 60 points from IRSST502, POLSC503, or POLSC537, and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc.

  Students admitted under b) above, must complete 120 points from approved 500-level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA or MSocSc.

• 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
  IRSST103	Introduction to International Relations	15.0	24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  This paper provides an introduction to the study of international relations in an era of globalisation. It covers the historical background, key concepts and theories, case studies, and contemporary developments in the study of world politics.
  POLSC102	New Zealand Politics and Policy	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  This paper provides a foundation for the study of political science and public policy, with a particular focus on the study of government, politics and policy in New Zealand.
  POLSC103	Introduction to Political Psychology	15.0	24A (Online) & 24A (Tauranga)
  Politics affects every aspect of our lives. This paper is an introduction to understanding political behaviour, helping you become more critically aware of your own role as citizen.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  IRSST206	International Relations: The Security Agenda	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to International Relations' dynamic and evolving security agenda and covers some of the most urgent contemporary security concerns.
  PHILO215	Moral and Political Philosophy: A Historical Introduction	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to central issues in Moral and Political Philosophy, using texts from historical figures in philosophy to study questions about virtue, happiness, justice, liberty, democracy, tyranny, feminism, art, censorship, and moral education.
  POLCY212	Public Policy Analysis	15.0	24A (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.
  POLSC200	Politics and the Media	15.0	24A (Online) & 24A (Tauranga)
  This course provides an introduction to the complex relationships between mass media, politics, and democratic society. It examines the power of the media in influencing political processes, policies, behaviour, and perceptions.
  POLSC201	Modern Political Thinkers	15.0	24A (Online)
  This course examines the ideas of a number of modern political thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, and Marx.
  POLSC204	Communicating Climate Change	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  Through a mix of theory and practical applications, students learn how to communicate climate change impacts and solutions in engaging ways.
  POLSC211	Political Systems around the World	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
  The paper introduces the comparative study of political institutions, the study of the politics of a number of countries, their similarities and differences, from established democracies to authoritarian regimes.
  POLSC224	Terrorism, Violence and the State	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  Terrorism is an increasingly prominent global phenomenon. We will clarify it conceptually and situate it historically with theory and case studies in situating it in comparative political and International Relations analysis.
  POLSC229	US Politics	15.0	24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga)
  Students in this course explore the foundational elements of the United States, its governing institutions, the extent of public influence within the system, and major contemporary policy issues that the country faces.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS390	Directed Study	15.0	24X (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 or minor under the guidance of academic staff.
  GNSEX303	Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities	15.0	24B (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...
  IRSST301	International Relations: The Context, Theory and Practice of New Zealand Foreign Policy	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This course delivers a comprehensive historical overview of New Zealand foreign policy from the beginning of the 20th century, and considers the role government departments play in the creation and implementation of policy.
  IRSST315	International Politics of Asia	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  It provides an introduction to, and analysis of, critical issues in Asia. Issues may include some, or all, of the Kashmir dispute; the situation on the Korean Peninsula; the South China Sea disputes; and tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
  IRSST331	Cyber Security and the Global Politics of the Internet	15.0	24B (Online)
  This course explores the global politics of cyber security and the internet. It covers the major political/strategic/theoretical debates around enhancing the security of computer systems and how states and non-state actors are responding.
  POLCY318	Global Environmental Politics and Policy	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper explores contemporary debates on environmental politics, sustainability, justice, and environmental governance. It examines the political processes underpinning the search for cooperative solutions to environmental dilemmas, including climate change.
  POLSC301	Visual Communication: Politics, Propaganda, Protest	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to the power of visual communication. The theoretical knowledge gained is applicable to politics and beyond.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS500	Academic & Professional Research & Writing	30.0	24A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (Online)
  In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills for the future' identified by the World Economic Forum (2020), in order to produce resilient, creative students with strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
  ALPSS590	Directed Study	30.0	24X (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.
  ALPSS591	Research Project	30.0	24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
  A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).
  ALPSS592	Dissertation	60.0	24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
  A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).
  IRSST502	Security Issues in South East Asia	30.0	24A (Hamilton)
  After a brief conceptual and historical introduction to security in the region, the paper goes on to consider a range of contemporary security issues. These include ethnic conflict, militant Islam, maritime security, and relations with the major extra-regional powers.
  IRSST506	International Relations and Global Security	30.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This paper teaches and utilises major international relations theories to consider pressing global issues. This includes the causes of war and peace, globalisation, the Cold War, the widening security agenda, terrorism, the environment, inequality, new technologies, and international institutions.
  IRSST507	Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare	15.0	24B (Online)
  This course examines the political, strategic, legal and economic debates around cyber security and cyber warfare. Particular emphasis is placed on how militaries, national security agencies, and law enforcement are adapting to online threats and incorporating cyber in their strategic planning.
  POLSC501	Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice	30.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to the fundamentals of policy analysis, and develops skills for higher-level research in public policy. A key focus is developing critical awareness of policy processes, of the drivers of change, and of the role of both 'evidence' and public participation in policy-making, in the pursuit of inclusive ...
  POLSC537	Environmental Politics and Public Policy	30.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on environmental policy making. A significant focus of the paper is on analysing and understanding the complex intersections of institutions, culture, science and technology, and systems of ...
  POLSC593	Political Science Thesis	90.0	24X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

• 800 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  POLSC800	Political Science MPhil Thesis	120.0	24X (Hamilton)
  No description available.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  POLSC900	Political Science PhD Thesis	120.0	24I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton)
  No description available.