Social Policy is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Social Policy 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 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, at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 200 level and at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 300 level.

To complete Social Policy as part of a double major for the BA, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, 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, at least 15 points from SOCPY coded papers at 200 level, and at least 30 points from SOCPY coded papers at 300 level.

To complete a minor in Social Policy, students must complete at least 60 points from the papers listed for Social Policy, including at least 30 above 100 level. Students must complete SOCPY100, at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper, and at least one SOCPY coded 300 level paper.

Enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate 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), 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 at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper and at least one SOCPY coded 300 level paper. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include at least one SOCPY coded 200 level paper, and at least two SOCPY coded 300 level paper.

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

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(SocPol), PGDip(SocPol), 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 either the best three of their 300 level Social Policy papers or all of their undergraduate Social Policy 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) and at least 30 points from other SOCPY coded 500 level papers. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed, especially if they are considering going on with further graduate study.

  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 60 points from SOCPY coded papers, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed.

  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	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ECONS102	Economics and Society	15.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces selected economic models, with a focus on developing and applying critical thinking skills to a range of business and social issues and to economic policies.
  EDSOC101	The New Zealand Educational Context	15.0	21B (Hamilton), 21B (Online) & 21B (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	15.0	21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga) & 21B (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	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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.
  SOCIO101	Introduction to Sociology	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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	21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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.
  SOCPY101	Social Policy & the Welfare State	15.0	No occurrences
  This paper covers the rise of the welfare state as the primary means of social policy delivery in New Zealand

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  EDSOC200	Education and New Zealand Society	15.0	21A (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	15.0	21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online)
  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	21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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.
  SOCIO201	21st Century Activism and Radical Thought	15.0	No occurrences
  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.
  SOCIO204	Punishment, Society and Social Justice	15.0	No occurrences
  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.
  SOCPY200	Social Policy and Social Issues	15.0	21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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.
  SOCPY202	Addressing Precarity: A Global Perspective	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online)
  This paper considers human precarity: past, present and future. The focus is on its contemporary forms under global market competition, and ways to make a more secure world in the future.
  SOCWK205	Community Development	15.0	No occurrences
  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.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ECONS307	Economics of Land, Water and Environment	15.0	21A (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	Māori Knowledge and Western Impacts in Education	15.0	21A (Online)
  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	15.0	21A (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	15.0	21A (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.
  PACIS300	Contemporary Critical Issues in the Pacific	15.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This paper provides an in-depth examination of a number of contemporary critical issues in the Pacific as identified by leading Pacific scholars, writers, artists, auteurs and activists.
  POLCY318	Global Environmental Politics and Policy	15.0	21A (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	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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.
  SOCIO311	Current Issues in Crime Control and Social Justice	15.0	21G (Online)
  This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice.
  SOCPY300	Social Policy	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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	15.0	21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga)
  This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.
  SOCPY302	Welfare to Workfare and Beyond	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online)
  This paper seeks to explore the relationship between the NZ labour market and welfare system, focusing on the rise of the neo-liberal welfare state, its consequence and alternatives.
  SOCPY303	Critical Feminism and the Prison State	15.0	No occurrences
  This paper employs anti-carceral feminist theories and frameworks to explore the phenomenon of mass female imprisonment across nation states, with a particular focus on Indigenous and Black Imprisoned Radical Tradition.
  SOCPY390	Directed Study	15.0	21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton), 21D (Hamilton), 21G (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton)
  This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to undertake investigation of a specific topic from a social policy perspective.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  EDSOC501	Education Policy and Society	30.0	21A (Hamilton)
  A critical analysis of educational policies and practices, with particular references to New Zealand.
  POLSC501	Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice	30.0	21A (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 ...
  POPST501	Population Health and Equity	30.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This paper explores population health in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally, emphasising the broader determinants of wellbeing and equity. It introduces aspects of epidemiology, considers historical, indigenous and contemporary perspectives of health, and explores relationships between health, community and society.
  POPST507	Critical Demography	30.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to critical demography as an approach that draws on social science theories to understand key demographic phenomena. Interactive seminars will comprise a blend of structured lectures and in-class discussion focussed on weekly readings drawn from Aotearoa NZ and internationally. The first part of the p...
  POPST509	Research Methods for Population Analysis	15.0	21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online)
  This paper provides students with hands-on experience conducting population research, working with real world data to analyse to investigate population issues. Students will gain a sound understanding of how to access, analyse and interpret data and how to communicate their findings, skills directly applicable to a range of policy,...
  PSYCH511	Evaluation Research Design	15.0	21A (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	30.0	21X (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 ...
  SOCIO500	Comparative Indigenous Criminology	30.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This paper focuses on a critical comparison of indigenous people's experiences of crime control policies and interventions in settler-colonial jurisdictions.
  SOCPY501	Critical Issues in Crime and Social Justice	30.0	No occurrences
  The paper focuses on contemporary, critical issues related to New Zealand's criminal justice system, and the wider context of social justice.
  SOCPY507	Gender and Development	30.0	21A (Hamilton)
  This graduate paper explores fundamental constructs of feminism within the context of development schemes and policies.
  SOCPY589	Directed Study	15.0	21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton) & 21H (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	30.0	21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton) & 21D (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	30.0	21X (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCPY592	Dissertation	60.0	21X (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCPY593	Social Policy Thesis	90.0	21X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  SOCPY594	Social Policy Thesis	120.0	21X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  SOCPY900	Social Policy PhD Thesis	120.0	21I (Hamilton) & 21X (Hamilton)
  No description available.