Students may choose from a combination of core and elective papers in Economics, Education Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Political Science and Public Policy, Population Studies, Social Science Research, Sociology, and Work, Employment and Society which, when combined, offer theoretical and applied approaches to the study of social policy issues.

Social Policy is available as a major for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Social Sciences. Social Policy may also be taken as a second major or as a minor with other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Social Policy as a single major for the BA or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Social Policy, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCPY100, SOCPY200, SOCPY201, SOCPY300 and SOCPY301.

To complete Social Policy as part of a double major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Social Policy, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCPY100, SOCPY200, SOCPY300 and SOCPY301.

To complete a minor in Social Policy students must complete SOCPY200, SOCPY300 and a further 30 points from the papers listed for the Social Policy major.

Enquiries about undergraduate, diploma and graduate programmes in Social Policy should be directed to the Programme Convenor.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(SocPol) and GradDip(SocPol)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(SocPol), PGDip(SocPol) and BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
• Prescriptions for the PhD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level
• 900 Level

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

  A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Social Policy at an advanced level in their first degree. Each programme of study for the Graduate Certificate must include SOCPY200 and SOCPY300. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include SOCPY200, SOCPY300, SOCPY304 and 40 further points at 300 level in Social Policy.

  For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(SocPol), PGDip(SocPol) and BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc

  To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in a BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy, a student should normally have at least a B average in SOCPY300 and two other 300 level papers. Students who do not meet this requirement should discuss their proposed programme of study with the Programme Convenor prior to confirming their enrolment.

  To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCPY591), SOCPY506, SOCPY508, and SOCIO502.

  To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Social Policy, a student should have completed either:

  a) a BSocSc with a major in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board, or

  b) a BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division).

  Completion requirements for the MSocSc in Social Policy vary according to admission criteria:

  Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including SOCPY506, SOCPY508, SOCIO502, one of SSRES503 or SSRES504 and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

  Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

  To be considered for enrolment in a dissertation or thesis, all students must have completed at least 60 points from approved 500 level papers and have gained at least a B+ average to be admitted to SOCPY592 or SOCPY593 and at least an A- average to be admitted to SOCPY594.

• 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	Occurrence / Location
  ARTSC110	Old Worlds - New Worlds	19A (Hamilton) & 19A (Tauranga)
  This cross-disciplinary paper offers students with a rich background for study within the Bachelor of Arts. It is structured around metaphors of journey and cultural encounter and focuses on a variety of texts, images and sounds.
  ARTSC111	Social Science Theory and Action	19A (Hamilton) & 19A (Tauranga)
  This paper introduces University of Waikato social scientists as researchers. Each presenter's research will be discussed to demonstrate how it illustrates key themes of the social sciences and their specific disciplines.
  EDSOC101	The New Zealand Educational Context	19B (Hamilton), 19B (Online) & 19B (Tauranga)
  The paper addresses the educational policies, ideas and processes shaping the educational contexts within which New Zealanders learn and teach.
  MAORI150	Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi	19A (Tauranga) & 19B (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.
  POLSC102	New Zealand Politics and Policy	19A (Tauranga) & 19B (Hamilton)
  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.
  SOCIO101	Introduction to Sociology	19B (Hamilton) & 19B (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	19A (Hamilton) & 19A (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.
  WKEMP100	Work, Employment and Society	19B (Hamilton)
  The purpose of this paper is to focus on the interdisciplinary account of the changing forms and social contexts of work from ancient times to the present and beyond.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  EDSOC200	Education and New Zealand Society	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper critically examines educational ideas and practices by considering philosophical, historical, political, socio-cultural and economic aspects. It examines how the interrelationships between education and society change over time.
  POLCY212	Power, Politics and Policy Analysis	19B (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	19A (Hamilton) & 19A (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.
  SOCPY200	Social Policy and Social Issues	19A (Hamilton), 19A (Tauranga), 19B (Hamilton) & 19B (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	Social Policy, Families and Children	19A (Hamilton), 19A (Tauranga), 19B (Hamilton) & 19B (Tauranga)
  This paper further develops students' theoretical understanding of social policy, while focusing specifically on policy related to families and children, providing insight into the relationships between policy and lived experience.
  SOCWK205	Community Development	19A (Tauranga)
  This paper critically explores the evolution, dimensions and practice of community development in Aoteoroa New Zealand including Maori development. It also focuses on the strategies, skills and tools necessary for community development practice.
  WKEMP201	Employment Relations in New Zealand	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper examines the employment relations legislation and its impact on employers, unions and workers. Other issues considered include occupational health and safety, industrial training and practice of employment relations

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  ECONS307	Economics of Land, Water and Environment	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper provides students with a detailed understanding of the role of economic analysis in solving real world environmental problems including pollution, sustainable development, resource scarcity, and climate change.
  EDSOC300	Maori Knowledge and Western Impacts in Education	19A (Online) & 19A (Tauranga)
  This paper explores comparisons between key Western and Maori philosophies. It considers how Maori and Western philosophies respectively describe the self's relationship with thought and knowledge in the context of education.
  GNSEX303	Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities	19B (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...
  HMDEV300	Children's Development in Families	19A (Online)
  This paper examines the development of children within family and community contexts. Contemporary issues will be investigated with an emphasis on theory and research and their impact on policy and practice.
  POLCY318	Global Environmental Politics and Policy	19A (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.
  POPST302	Exploring Population Change	19B (Hamilton) & 19B (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.
  SOCIO301	Contemporary Social Theory: A Praxis Approach	19A (Hamilton), 19A (Tauranga), 19B (Hamilton) & 19B (Tauranga)
  This paper introduces students to contemporary debates in social theory from a praxis perspective. Particular attention is paid to theories of individualisation and class in relation to contemporary forms of capitalist society.
  SOCIO311	Current Issues in Criminal Justice	19B (Online)
  This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice.
  SOCPY300	Social Policy	19B (Hamilton) & 19B (Tauranga)
  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	19B (Hamilton)
  This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.
  SOCPY390	Directed Study	19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton), 19S (Hamilton), 19T (Hamilton) & 19Y (Hamilton)
  This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake investigation of a specific topic from a social policy perspective.
  WKEMP300	Education, Skill and Employment	19A (Hamilton) & 19A (Online)
  The purpose of this paper is to focus on policy and practice in the field of paid work, education and training. This encapsulates tertiary education a field that includes: adult and community education; higher education; vocational education and training; human resource development; and workplace learning.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  EDSOC501	Education Policy and Society	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper provides students with the opportunity to examine the work of Michel Foucault and the influences upon his thinking.
  POLSC501	Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice	19A (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	19A (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 ...
  POPST507	Critical Demography	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to critical demography as a field that marries social science theory with quantitative and qualitative methods to understand demographic phenomena. Lectures and in-class discussion will focus on weekly readings drawn from Aotearoa/NZ and internationally. Study topics include population categories and ...
  POPST508	Population Health and Equity	19B (Hamilton)
  This paper explores population health within particular communities, emphasising the broader determinants of population health and social equity. It introduces students to aspects of epidemiology, considers demographic and social science perspectives, and explores the relationship between health, community and society. It examines ...
  PSYCH511	Evaluation Research Design	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper provides a theoretical grounding in programme evaluation, with an emphasis on the evaluation of programmes in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods, collaborative approaches and evaluation as a strategy of incremental social change.
  PSYCH513	Evaluation Research Analysis	19C (Block)
  This paper provides an introduction to evaluation praxis with a major focus on completing a small scale evaluation of a social service or health programme. Such roles as consultant, advocate, liaison and technician are part of the skills students experience. Engagement with the client through refining and negotiating an evaluation ...
  SOCIO502	Society, Economy and State	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper brings Sociological theory and Social Policy practice together in a paper that is grounded in a praxis approach. Students will be expected to think critically and deeply about the nature and dynamic of structures and regulatory frameworks of contemporary capitalism, and to think actively about how social change occurs.
  SOCIO503	Comparative Criminology	19A (Hamilton)
  This paper surveys criminological theory from a sociological perspective and uses examples of criminological research to develop a critical awareness of New Zealand issues and policies related to criminal behaviour.
  SOCIO505	Globalisation and Social Movements	19A (Hamilton)
  Within the context of an analysis of the neoliberal policy framework and global capitalism; this half paper focuses on the merging social movements of the 21st century. Initial focus will be placed on the anti-globalisation movement, but in the context of a range of related movements especially the labour movement, new peasant move...
  SOCPY508	Techniques for Policy Analysis	19B (Hamilton)
  This paper exposes students to a selection of techniques in the policy toolkit that can be applied to problem solving in social policy issues. It also reflects on the values and assumptions underlying methods. Students wil be taught to apply policy methods critically and in context.
  SOCPY531	Advanced Employment Relations 1: The Employment Relations Framework	19A (Hamilton)
  Students will be expected to analyse and to discuss the Employment Relations Act in its social and economic context and also to focus on specific issues such as good faith bargaining.
  SOCPY532	Advanced Employment Relations 2: Current Policies and Practices	19B (Hamilton)
  The paper is concerned with a number of topics of contemporary relevance to New Zealand employment relations, and in particular issues of labour market flexibility, employment equity, employee participation, employee health and safety and workplace privacy.
  SOCPY589	Directed Study	19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton) & 19S (Hamilton)
  Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook.
  SOCPY590	Directed Study	19A (Hamilton), 19B (Hamilton) & 19Y (Hamilton)
  Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook.
  SOCPY591	Dissertation	19C (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCPY592	Dissertation	19C (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCPY593	Social Policy Thesis	19C (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  SOCPY594	Social Policy Thesis	19C (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  SOCPY900	Social Policy PhD Thesis	19C (Hamilton)
  No description available.