Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology) is designed for students who want to take sociology to postgraduate level and develop advanced knowledge of social theory, research and contemporary social issues.
• Students examine how society is structured and changing, what creates social divisions and inequalities, and how power operates.
• Major themes include culture, ethnicity, class, inequality, gender, mass media, politics, the environment, social change, and individual and group relationships.
• The programme is particularly suited to students who want to develop research skills and investigate a sociological issue through independent, supervised research.
• Successful graduates can use the qualification as a pathway toward Massey’s Master of Arts and other relevant postgraduate study.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 120 credits and requires completion of the Sociology endorsement. The current Sociology course selection includes the following 30-credit courses:

• 176701 Current Issues and Theories – 30 credits
  Examines key concepts, theories and debates in contemporary social theory.
• 176718 Environmental Sociology – 30 credits
  Examines relationships between society and the environment, including consumerism, population growth, resource limits, development, political conflicts, environmental groups and environmental values.
• 176799 Research Report (30) – 30 credits
  Provides an opportunity to undertake an independent research report.
• 230707 Social Science Research Design and Practice – 30 credits
  Covers advanced social-science research methodology, including epistemology, data generation, analysis and research ethics, with attention to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme-specific specialisation is:

• Sociology

Key areas within the Sociology curriculum include:

• Social theory
• Social research
• Environmental sociology
• Social inequality
• Culture and ethnicity
• Gender
• Class
• Politics and power
• Social change
• Mass media
• Environment and society
• Research methodology
• Contemporary social issues.

Programme Highlights

• 120-credit postgraduate qualification.
• Sociology endorsement is compulsory.
• Available at Auckland, Manawat? and through distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Strong emphasis on social theory and research.
• Includes advanced social-science research design and practice.
• Offers a 30-credit research-report option.
• Focuses on contemporary social issues and their implications for communities, organisations and policy.
• Provides a pathway to further postgraduate study, including the Master of Arts.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies potential career directions including:

• Policy analysis
• Research
• Community development
• Communications
• Project management
• Governance
• Social marketing
• Journalism
• Advocacy
• Teaching and lecturing
• Youth development
• Government agencies
• Non-government organisations
• Charitable organisations
• Social and community services.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme requires 120 credits.
• Completing the Sociology endorsement is compulsory.
• A Bachelor of Arts with a Sociology major, or an equivalent qualification, is required.
• A B- average or above is normally expected.
• Official transcripts from other universities must be provided.
• Course availability can vary, so students should confirm that their intended courses are offered in the relevant year.
• Massey recommends that international students apply at least three months before their intended start date to allow time for processing, visa arrangements and travel planning.

International Student Visa Requirements

There are two different situations for international students:

1. Online study from outside New Zealand

Massey explicitly allows international students to study this programme online from outside New Zealand. If the student remains outside New Zealand for the programme, a New Zealand student visa is generally not required for the online study itself. Any immigration requirements for the student's country of residence should be checked separately.

2. On-campus study in New Zealand

Students coming to New Zealand for full-time study generally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa. The relevant Immigration New Zealand visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.

Current Fee Paying Student Visa information:

• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Cost: from NZ$850.
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks.
• Applications are submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before planned travel.