Master of Arts in Sociology

Summary

The MA offers you a range of choices. There are research and taught degrees, one-year or 18-month options depending on your possible qualification, and more than 40 subjects for study. Your academic background may enable you to study a subject different to that of your previous specialisation.

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research project alongside some of New Zealand’s leading scholars.

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge in small classes, enjoy close interaction with academic staff, and complete a smaller research project.

Sociology

Sociology explores topical social issues and seeks to understand the modern world.

Sociology pays special attention to questions of power and social justice. It places particular emphasis on theory, research methods and social policy.

By studying Sociology you can examine and analyse different aspects of modern society such as popular culture and the media, sexuality, ethnic identities, crime, religion, social justice and the family.

Where can Sociology take you?

Sociology develops analytical and research skills. Sociology graduates have careers in policy analysis, central and local government, the media and journalism, social and health research, business, marketing and union advocacy.

Postgraduate study in Sociology allows you to advance your knowledge of sociological literature, theories and methods, while you develop your own research interests.

You can study topics such as:

• Mental health
• Human rights
• Tourism
• Citizenship
• State crime
• Genocide
• Political ecology of youth and crime
• Identity and the settler states
• Family and policy
• Gender
• Globalisation
• Modernity
• Critical theory
• Social change

Programme structure

A 120- or 180-point programme with research and taught options, depending on your chosen subject. The structure of your programme depends on the subject that you are studying.

Taught (180-point)

The Taught 180-point Master of Arts is set to be introduced for Semester 1, 2022. Once the programme is approved, applications will be open in Apply To Study.

Enter from an undergraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A dissertation worth 60 points

One and a half years full-time or up to six years part-time

Research (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Usually consists of a 120-point thesis or research portfolio

Some subjects offer a combination of a 90-point thesis and 30 points from taught courses

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Taught (120-point)

Enter from a postgraduate degree

Advanced taught courses

A small research project such as a dissertation, usually worth 45 points

You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects

One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Only available in selected subjects

Where could this programme take you?

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Semester Two admission may not be available for some subjects.