Students may choose from a combination of core and elective papers in Economics, Education Studies, Labour Studies, Political Science and Public Policy, Population Studies, Social Science Research, Sociology, and Women's and Gender Studies 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

• 100 level
• 200 level
• 300 level
• 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

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  ARTSC110	Old Worlds - New Worlds	18A (Hamilton)
  This multi-disciplinary paper offers students a rich context in which to develop arts-based reading, writing and research skills. It is structured around stories of cultural encounter and journeys through place and time, and focuses on a variety of printed and electronic texts, moving and still images, and sound. The paper is deliv...
  ARTSC111	Social Science Theory and Action	18B (Hamilton) & 18B (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.
  ECONS102	Economics and Society	18B (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.
  LABST100	Work, Employment and Society	18A (Hamilton) & 18B (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.
  POLSC102	New Zealand Politics and Policy	18B (Hamilton)
  This paper provides a foundation for the study of public policy, with a particular focus on the New Zealand government context and the "politics" of policy making.
  SOCIO101	Introduction to Sociology	18A (Hamilton) & 18A (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	18A (Hamilton) & 18A (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. The paper will include presentations by guest speakers who are active in implementing social policies in our community.

• 200 level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  EDSOC200	Education and New Zealand Society	18A (Hamilton) & 18A (Tauranga)
  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.
  LABST201	Employment Relations in New Zealand	18A (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
  POLCY212	Public Policy: International Perspectives	18B (Hamilton)
  An introduction to the theory and practice of public policy and comparative policy analysis.
  POPST201	Population Studies	18A (Hamilton) & 18A (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.
  SOCIO202	Class, Race, Gender	18A (Hamilton)
  This paper presents sociological theories which examine gender, class, and race and how power is distributed within and across these categories. It uses class theory and intersectionality to explore and explain the complex interconnections between them.
  SOCPY200	Social Policy and Social Issues	18B (Hamilton) & 18B (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	18A (Hamilton) & 18A (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	18A (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.

• 300 level

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  ECON313	Economics of Human Resources and Public Policy	This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  ECON315	Environmental and Natural Resource Economics	18A (Hamilton)
  An examination of the economics of sustainable development, resource use, pollution control and the conservation of the environment, including practical applications.
  FASS396	Work Placement	18C (Block) & 18D (Block)
  This paper enables students to undertake work placement in an area related to their major as part of their degree. Students work in a chosen field for a period of time in order to gain valuable work experience and learn from experts in their chosen field.
  LBST301	Globalisation and International Development	18A (Hamilton)
  This paper examines the impact of globalisation on labour across both developed and developing countries. Assignments focus on the application of comparative methods.
  LBST331	Education, Skill and Employment	18A (Hamilton), 18A (Online) & 18A (Tauranga)
  This paper provides an examination of current policies, issues and institutions in workers' education and training. Assignments are designed to help students acquire practical skills for employment in industry training, areas relevant to labour studies or in related policy development and analysis.
  POLS318	Global Environmental Politics and Policy	18A (Hamilton)
  The aim of this paper is to understand and critically evaluate the development of environmental policy and the politics of environmental policy processes in the international arena.
  POPS302	Exploring Population Change	18B (Hamilton) & 18B (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.
  SOCP302	Social Policy	18B (Hamilton) & 18B (Tauranga)
  This paper focuses on developing a critical approach to the formulation, content and implementation of New Zealand social policy in an international context. It examines a variety of contemporary policy domains, all of which, in some way, affect the wellbeing of children and families. The paper provides knowledge and skills relevan...
  SOCP304	Health, Wellbeing and Policy	18B (Hamilton)
  This paper gives a sociological and policy dimension to health, wellbeing and policy from a critical perspective.
  SOCP389	Directed Study	18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton), 18S (Hamilton) & 18T (Hamilton)
  Students with a B+ average may, with the approval of the programme convenor and the proposed supervisor, undertake an individual programme of study within the field of Social Policy.
  SOCP390	Directed Study	18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton), 18S (Hamilton), 18T (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton)
  Students with a B+ average may, with the approval of the programme convenor and the proposed supervisor, undertake an individual programme of study within the field of Social Policy.
  SOCW305	Community Development	18A (Tauranga)
  This paper critically explores the evolution, dimensions and practice of community development in Aoteoroa New Zealand. It also focuses on the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for community development practice, including the key factors and the role of Iwi, hapu and Whanau in Maori development.
  SOCY301	Contemporary Social Theory: A Praxis Approach	18A (Hamilton) & 18B (Hamilton)
  An analysis of some of the major contemporary issues in sociological theory.
  SOCY311	Criminology: A Sociological Introduction	18B (Online)
  This paper examines sociological explanations of deviance and crime and examines issues in the field of criminology.
  WGST303	Gender, State and Public Policy	18B (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to feminist political theory concerned with issues of state, policy, equality/equity, social justice, rights and representation.

• 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 SOCP206 and SOCP302. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include SOCP206, SOCP302, SOCP304 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 SOCP302 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 SOCP591), SOCP506, SOCP508, and SOCY502.

  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) and have gained 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, or

  b) a BSocSc(Hons) in Social Policy (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B+ average across all 500 level papers.

  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 SOCP506, SOCP508, SOCY502, one of SSRP503 or SSRP504 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 SOCP592 or SOCP593 and at least an A- average to be admitted to SOCP594.

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  DEVS504	State Policies on Indigenous Development	18A (Online)
  This paper will undertake a comparative examination of changing state policies regarding indigenous rights and development in the Pacific region. The paper will consider factors influencing these changes, how 'disadvantage' is understood, how the effects of different policy approaches are evaluated, and the involvement and response...
  DSOE557	Research Methods	18A (Hamilton), 18A (Tauranga), 18B (Online) & 18S (Block)
  This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research.
  HDCO501	Ageing and Society	This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  LBST531	Advanced Employment Relations 1: The Employment Relations Framework	18A (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.
  LBST532	Advanced Employment Relations 2: Current Policies and Practices	18B (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.
  LBST541	Labour, Education and Training 1: Issues and Policies	18A (Hamilton)
  This paper explores issues related to the restructuring of tertiary education in New Zealand. Students will gain a thorough understanding of current issues in adult education and training and become familiar with a wide range of contemporary policy documents.
  PCSS508	Education Policy and Society	18A (Hamilton)
  A critical analysis of educational policies and practices, with particular references to New Zealand.
  POLS501	The Policy Process and Policy Analysis	18A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to theoretical perspectives on policy analysis and the policy process providing a conceptual tool-kit for the practice of, and higher level research in, public policy.
  POLS537	Environmental Politics and Public Policy	18A (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 ...
  POPS507	Critical Demography	18A (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 ...
  POPS508	Population Health and Equity	18B (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 ...
  PSYC511	Evaluation Research Design	18A (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.
  PSYC513	Evaluation Research Analysis	18C (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 ...
  PSYC518	Family Violence: Research and Interventions	This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  This paper will not be taught in 2018.
  SOCP506	Social Policy: Comparative Approaches	18B (Hamilton)
  This paper provides a theoretical grounding and applied dimension to comparative perspectives in social policy and welfare. Students develop a critical awareness of diversity in policy.
  SOCP508	Techniques for Policy Analysis	18B (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.
  SOCP509	Comparative Criminology: Issues and Policy	18B (Hamilton)
  Students will study criminological issues of various countries and the ideologies that underlie the policies and practices of criminal justice systems.
  SOCP589	Directed Study	18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18S (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.
  SOCP590	Directed Study	18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (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.
  SOCP591	Dissertation	18C (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCP592	Dissertation	18C (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  SOCP593	Social Policy Thesis	18C (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  SOCP594	Social Policy Thesis	18C (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  SOCY502	Society, Economy and State	18A (Hamilton)
  This half 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 occu...
  SOCY503	Criminology from a Sociological Perspective	18A (Online)
  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.
  SOCY505	Globalisation and Social Movements	18B (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...
  SSRP503	The Conduct of Social Science Research: Qualitative Research	18B (Hamilton)
  This paper provides an advanced investigation of the conduct of qualitative interviewing culminating in students undertaking their own tape-recorded in-depth interviews.
  SSRP504	The Conduct of Social Science Research: Survey Research	18A (Hamilton)
  This paper has been designed to explore quantitative approaches to research with a particular focus on structured and semi-structured data collection techniques. It is intended that students gain a first hand appreciation of the practical aspects of the survey approach as well as a critical view of its appropriateness, strengths an...
  WGST507	Gender, Policy and Development	18B (Hamilton)
  The purpose of this paper is to facilitate students' understandings of, and critical reflections on, policy and practice relevant to gender and development, and to simultaneously enhance their skills in research and gender analysis.

• 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.

  Code	Paper Title	Occurrence / Location
  SOCP900	Social Policy PhD Thesis	18C (Hamilton)
  No description available.