Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Population Studies and Demography

Summary

The Master of Philosophy is a one-year research-based degree in which candidates undertake a programme of supervised research which critically investigates a topic of substance and significance.

Why study a MPhil?

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree has a status higher than that of other Masters degrees but lower than that of the PhD degree. It is a research degree designed to recognise an original contribution to knowledge and the comments on the originality and significance of the PhD thesis apply here too. However, it is intended that an MPhil thesis be the product of only one year of full-time research (though in practice candidates invariably take longer) and the original contribution to knowledge will, therefore, be less than would be expected in a PhD thesis.

The thesis submitted for the degree demonstrates expertise in the methods of research; displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area.

This degree does not include a conditional enrolment period.

Why study Population Studies and Demography?

Population issues are among the most serious challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. You'll explore how such issues impact on a country's environmental, economic and social patterns. At Waikato we provide an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to population studies with our graduate programme in Population Studies and Demography. You'll learn about advanced, empirical analysis of population structure and trends. You'll explore the importance of population research and the need for attention to population trends, their causes and their implications on the environment, employment, work and family, health, population distribution, urbanisation, migration patterns, old age security and refugee movements. This subject is of relevance to students from a wide range of backgrounds, such as sociology, economics, geography, political science and public policy, and provides opportunities to engage in individual directed studies and research for a masters or higher degree on a population-related subject. Note: Populations Studies and Demography was previously known as Demography.

Career Opportunities

Health Sector Analyst

Merchant Banker

Policy Analyst

Social Sciences Researcher

Teacher