Graduate Certificate (GradCert) in Political Science

Summary

If you are looking to quickly acquire skills for a new career, a graduate certificate is a great option for you.

Why study a GradCert?

Graduate certificates are intended to develop your knowledge and skills in a subject area that is different to your first degree's major. You may be eligible if you haven't studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability. By choosing to study a graduate certificate you can quickly develop career competency in a single subject area.

A graduate certificate is a shorter version of a graduate diploma, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one trimester of full-time study.

The Graduate Certificate comprises a minimum of 60 points at 100 level or above, including 45 points at 300 level or above in the Graduate Certificate subjects listed below, and including at least 45 points from one of the subjects listed in Schedule A. Normally it involves one trimester of full-time study (or more extended part-time study).

Why study Political Science?

The Political Science programme will ask you why some crises lead to armed conflict while others resolve peacefully - why democracy thrives in some countries while it dies in others. We challenge you to learn lessons from international politics and to consider political solutions to international crises. We push you to consider tough questions like those involving equality and freedom - must one be sacrificed for the other to flourish? Political Science is a highly flexible programme and will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services. We also offer minors in Public Policy and in International Relations and Security Studies which further allows you to investigate relevant contemporary issues. Political Science at Waikato not only gives you a well-rounded perspective on political issues but also provides a versatile base of knowledge and skills to enter many fields.

Career Opportunities

Advocate

Central and Local Government Officer

Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker

Maori Development Policy Adviser

Media Analyst

Policy Analyst