Sociology (2024)

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

To complete Sociology as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Sociology including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCIO101, at least 30 points from SOCIO coded 200 level papers, and at least 30 points from SOCIO coded 300 level papers, and a further 30 points at 300 level.

To complete Sociology as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from the papers listed for Sociology, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCIO101, at least 15 points from SOCIO coded papers at 200 level, and at least 30 points from SOCIO coded papers at 300 level.

To complete a minor in Sociology, students must complete 60 points from papers listed for Sociology, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete SOCIO101, at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper, and at least one SOCIO coded 300 level paper.

Enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Sociology should be directed to the Programme Convenor.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(Socy) and GradDip(Socy)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Socy), PGDip(Socy), 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(Socy) and GradDip(Socy)

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

  Each programme of study for the Graduate Certificate must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper and at least one SOCIO coded 300 level paper. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper, and at least two SOCIO coded 300 level papers.

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

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Socy), PGDip(Socy), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc

  To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCIO591), 30 points in any other SOCIO coded paper, as well as 30 points in any other SOCIO or SOCPY coded paper.

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

  a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in Sociology (or equivalent) and have gained 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 Sociology (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip in Sociology (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 Sociology 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 60 points from SOCIO coded papers.

  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
  GNSEX101	Gender and Sexuality: Representations and Realities	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  This paper considers issues related to gender, sexuality, and the body including health issues, media representations, gender based violence, and forms of resistance.
  SOCIO101	Introduction to Sociology	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
  SOCIO102	The Sociology of Crime, Deviance and Social Justice	15.0	24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
  This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context.
  SOCPY100	Introduction to Social Policy	15.0	24A (Hamilton) & 24A (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
  SOCIO201	21st Century Activism and Radical Thought	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This paper will offer insight into the historical legacies of systemic racism, sexism and class oppression by taking an in-depth look at key issues raised in 20th century social movements in New Zealand and the United States and mapping those issues into the 21st century.
  SOCIO203	Popular Culture	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  This paper offers a sociological perspective on historical and contemporary forms of popular culture.
  SOCIO204	Punishment, Society and Social Justice	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This subject will provide students with a critical understanding of the theoretical, political and policy issues associated with societies' response to crime and social harm.
  SOCIO206	Environmental Sociology: From Denial to Actions	15.0	24A (Online)
  The environment and climate are as much about human activity, economic and political choices as scientific information. Thinking sociologically, not just as individuals is the key to change.
  SOCPY200	Social Policy and Social Issues	15.0	24A (Online) & 24A (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.

• 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...
  SOCIO303	Big Tech, Big Data, Algorithms and Society	15.0	24A (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?
  SOCIO304	Sociology of the Body	15.0	24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  A sociological investigation of bodies, as they are experienced and represented, examining the embodied relationship between structure and agency.
  SOCIO305	Human Enhancement Technologies and Social Life	15.0	24A (Online)
  This paper analyses the causes and impacts of technologies of human enhancement on individuals and societies. The paper addresses issues such as smart drugs, gene edits and cybernetics.
  SOCIO308	Gender and Violence	15.0	No occurrences
  This paper provides critical understanding of the complex dynamics of gendered violence in Aotearoa. Students will address societal challenges regarding the causes and effects of gendered violence across the life span.
  SOCIO311	Current Issues in Crime Control and Social Justice	15.0	24G (Online)
  This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice.
  SOCPY300	Applied Social Policy	15.0	24B (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	24A (Hamilton), 24A (Online) & 24A (Tauranga)
  This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.

• 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).
  SOCIO507	The Regulation of Sexuality	30.0	24A (Online)
  This paper examines how sexuality is regulated in contemporary Western societies through social norms, discourses, laws, policies, and rules that privilege certain notions about sexuality, while others are marginalised.
  SOCIO508	Advanced Studies in Gender and Violence	30.0	No occurrences
  This advanced paper offers a critical exploration of the complex nature of gendered violence in Aotearoa. Students will address societal challenges regarding the causes and effects of gendered violence.
  SOCIO593	Sociology 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
  SOCIO800	Sociology MPhil Thesis	120.0	24X (Hamilton)
  No description available.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  SOCIO900	Sociology PhD Thesis	120.0	24I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton), 24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
  No description available.