Program Overview

Master of Environment and Society

The Master of Environment and Society welcomes graduates from diverse fields like environmental sciences, social sciences, management, law, or economics. It offers opportunities to connect with local communities, educational groups, and governments.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time: 180 points, 1.5 years

Locations

• The study locations where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under: School of Arts

Start Dates

• Which trimester this qualification can be started in: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why study the Master of Environment and Society?

Studying for your Master of Environment and Society (MEnvSoc) at the University of Waikato gives you the chance to build on the skills and knowledge you've already gained during your undergraduate degree. You'll learn how to critically analyse the various points of view relating to environmental challenges. You'll develop your understanding of these different perspectives, and learn how to use your insights to deal with those challenges.

During your MEnvSoc, you'll do a combination of studying essential papers and preparing a dissertation or thesis. You'll be able to complete up to 120 points worth of papers and either a 60-point dissertation or a 90-point thesis. Your dissertation or thesis will be based on your own research, and you'll choose a topic relating to environmental and societal inter-relationships.

You might also like to include some relevant papers from other areas, such as environmental science, law and management. Taking this approach to structuring your degree helps you strengthen the connection between understanding issues at a theoretical level and applying the theory in practice.

The School's links with groups working in local government, education and the community provide a range of opportunities for students studying towards a MEnvSoc. You'll benefit from guest lectures, workshops and field trips that have had input from members of the community or professional contributors. The teaching staff themselves are active researchers with national or global reputations in their specialist areas. You'll have the chance to benefit from their knowledge and expertise. Working with the staff, you'll be able to take advantage of, and directly access, global research ideas and communities.

Once you've completed your MEnvSoc, you'll be able to choose a career path that uses your skills. You might be interested in moving into policy work, whether that be at the local, regional or national level. Perhaps instead you'd prefer to work with the Waitangi Tribunal or local iwis. The MEnvSoc's interdisciplinary environmental focus provides the skills and knowledge for graduates to be able to work in those areas.

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

• Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent.
• Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
• Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
• Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic students:
  • Estimated fees: $8,569 - $10,266 per year
  • Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
  • Scholarships: Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
• All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Study Options

• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy
  • 3 years
  • Hamilton, Tauranga

What Our Students Are Saying

1. “I made the right choice to come to Waikato and am so excited to make new discoveries in my field. I can’t recommend this experience enough!”
   • Mia Quinn
   • Master of Science (Research)
2. I talked and rubbed shoulders with some of the leading experts in the marine environment and heard their perspectives on future challenges for New Zealand.
   • Caleb Crosbie
   • Master of Science (Research)
3. Get involved during field trips, I found these were the best places to engage and collaborate with others and learn valuable communication skills.
   • Alice Wheatley-Wilson
   • Master of Science (Research)
4. Finding like-minded people has definitely been a highlight of my degree and I also enjoyed working directly with high-up professionals (lecturers) on projects and feeling like an equal with valid input.
   • Allycia van de Laar
   • Master of Science (Research)
5. This journey has been fantastic. I’ve been supported along the way with scholarships, which to me, is confirmation I’m where I’m meant to be.
   • Kiri Reihana
   • Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy