University
The University of WaikatoThis course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Graduate Certificate or Diploma
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Jul 2023
Campus
Hamilton Campus
Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.
Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major 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.
Candidates must gain 120 points at 100 level or above, including at least 75 points at 300 level or above, in the Graduate Diploma subjects.
Political Science
Political Science at Waikato offers a broad spectrum of political knowledge on both national and international issues. You'll seek answers to some of the most difficult political issues of today and gain skills for many potential career paths.
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 a specialisation in International Relations and Security Studies which further allows you to investigate relevant contemporary events.
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
The most common entry into the GradDip is to have a bachelors degree from the University of Waikato, or a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent.
You also need to meet an English language entry requirement as follows: IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 90 with a score of 21 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50; University of Waikato College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in English Language (CAEL) programme.
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