Program Overview

Introduction to the Sociology Programme

The Sociology programme provides opportunities for the study of social interaction, social theory, social research, and social problems. Sociology looks systematically at the social lives of humans, giving new perspectives on the major issues of our world and the way that humans deal with these.

About the Programme

Sociologists seek to explore how and why society arranges itself as it does, and how human behaviour and social relationships have changed over time. The programme allows students to find out how individuals are shaped by the social groups they belong tofamilies, peer groups, cultures, nations, and societies. Students learn to analyse and explain changes in social systems at different levels, from relationships between individuals to larger societal changes like migration.

Our Courses

Our 100-level courses provide foundational training in significant theories, methodological issues, key texts, and thinkers. Our 200-level and 300-level courses provide opportunities to deepen knowledge of areas that interest students, for example:

• Everyday life
• Gender
• Violence
• Health
• Sexuality
• Inequality
• Resistance
• Social movements
• Social theories
• Welfare
• Social change
• Research methods We offer a minor in Social Policy which Sociology courses can be credited toward.

Staff, Students, and Research

Our staff have active research agendas and are open to receiving enquiries about graduate supervision as well as their undergraduate teaching. Students can read about some of our graduate student research. We also supervise summer scholars.

Seminars

The Sociology programme hosts a regular seminar series offering opportunities to hear from leading international scholars and learn about the latest sociological research.

Research Areas

The programme encompasses various research areas, including but not limited to:

• Cancer Trajectories
• Crime and Justice

Postgraduate Study

After completing the BA, students can pursue an honours degree in Sociology or Social Policy, and subsequently Master's and PhD research by thesis.

Programme Highlights

The Sociology Programme successfully hosted the annual conference of the Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand, with the theme 'A Sociology of Beauty and Joy'.

Student Support and Careers

• Student support services are available, including support for Mori and Pasifika students, students with disabilities, international students, and rainbow students.
• The programme prepares students for a variety of careers, emphasizing graduate attributes that are valuable in the workforce.
• Prizes and scholarships are available, including the Study of Religion scholarship fund.