Why Study/Key Benefits

• Massey University’s Master of Arts (Sociology) is designed for advanced study of society and its global setting, with particular attention to how societies are structured and changing, how social groups are divided or united, the causes of inequality, and how power operates.
• Students examine areas including culture, ethnicity, class, inequality, gender, mass media, politics, environment, social change, and individual and group interactions.
• The qualification is suitable for students who already have an undergraduate background in sociology and want to develop advanced research skills or investigate a particular sociological issue through a research report or thesis.
• Students can choose a coursework pathway with a 60-credit research report or a research pathway involving a 90- or 120-credit thesis.
• The programme develops critical sociology, research design, analytical and decision-making skills that can be applied to social policy, community development, research, governance and organisational contexts.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MA Sociology is a parts-based qualification. The first 60 credits determine whether a student can progress to Part Two. A minimum B average is required for the coursework pathway, while a minimum B+ average is required for the research pathway.

Part One – Coursework Pathway

Students complete 120 credits.

The programme includes a compulsory-choice component of 60 credits:

• 176701 Current Issues and Theories – 30 credits
  • Examines key concepts, theories and debates in contemporary social theory.
• 230707 Social Science Research Design and Practice – 30 credits
  • Covers advanced social-science methodology, epistemology, data generation, analysis and research ethics in and beyond Aotearoa New Zealand.

The current programme page presents these as the 60-credit choice within the compulsory course component.

The Sociology subject offerings include:

• 176718 Environmental Sociology – 30 credits
  • Examines relationships between society and the environment and contemporary environmental issues such as consumerism, population growth, resource limits, development, political conflict, environmental groups and environmental values.
• 176799 Research Report (30) – 30 credits
• 176873 Research Report Sociology (60) – 60 credits.

Part Two – Coursework Pathway

Students complete:

• 176873 Research Report Sociology (60) – 60 credits

This provides the major independent research component of the coursework pathway.

Part One – Research Pathway

Students complete between 60 and 90 credits in Part One before progressing to the thesis component.

Part Two – Research Pathway

Students choose between 90 and 120 credits of thesis study:

• 176816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 176817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits
• 176881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 – 45 credits
• 176882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 – 45 credits

Disciplines/Specialisations

Primary specialisation:

• Sociology

The subject areas identified by Massey include:

• Social theory
• Culture
• Ethnicity
• Class
• Inequality
• Gender
• Mass media
• Politics
• Environment
• Social change
• Social groups and interactions
• Power structures
• Environmental sociology
• Social-science research methodology
• Research ethics
• Independent sociological research.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Auckland, Manawat? and distance/online options.
• Coursework and research pathways.
• Advanced study of sociological theory and contemporary social issues.
• Dedicated social-science research-methods training.
• 60-credit research report option.
• 90- or 120-credit thesis options.
• Research topics can address major social questions concerning inequality, culture, power, environment and social change. 

Career Outcomes

Massey states that the MA Sociology can prepare graduates for roles such as:

• Policy analyst
• Researcher
• Community development organiser
• Research and communications roles
• Project management
• Governance
• Social marketing
• Journalism
• Advocacy
• Teaching and lecturing
• Policy development and analysis
• Youth development
• Community development
• Government agency roles
• NGO and community-sector roles.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme is structured as a 180-credit MA with coursework and research pathways.
• Not all courses are available in every semester. Students should confirm course availability before finalising their study plan.
• Students must complete Part One before progressing to Part Two.
• The first 60 credits are used to assess progression.
• Coursework pathway progression requires a minimum B average.
• Research pathway progression requires a minimum B+ average.
• Thesis students begin with Part One and then enrol in Part Two in the following enrolment period.
• If the thesis is not submitted by the end of the initial Part Two enrolment, students must re-enrol and pay the applicable fees until submission.
• A 180-credit master's degree has a maximum five-year completion period under Massey's general postgraduate regulations.
• International applicants should apply at least three months before their intended start date.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who physically study the MA in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Satisfactory health and character status where applicable.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.