Explore science in its social context
Study the Master of Science in Society to bring new perspectives to your understanding of today’s scientific issues. Find new ways to engage different groups and communities through science communication.
The MScSoc brings new perspectives to your understanding of today’s scientific issues. You’ll draw from fields in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts to gain a broader and more nuanced perspective on science. Examine community views on scientific and environmental issues, and explore how mātauranga Māori and other Indigenous knowledge affects science decision-making.
The MScSoc is designed with input from industry professionals. It helps you learn through practical projects and work placements to integrate your learning and create professional networks.
What you’ll learn
This Master’s programme gives you:
- an understanding of the central concepts, theories, issues, and debates related to the role of science in society
- insight into multiple, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives on science
- the skills to analyse, critique, and reflect on the science sector and science engagement processes
- the ability to communicate clearly and effectively about science and the science sector through written, visual, and digital channels.
How you’ll study
You’ll study core courses and choose electives in a relevant discipline, including:
- Environmental Studies
- Māori Studies
- Psychology.
You may be able to choose other sciences by agreement with the programme coordinator.
Part 1: Coursework
In Part 1, you’ll complete core courses in the first Trimester. 12 weeks of on-campus learning will introduce you to:
- critical thinking and communication skills
- relevant theory and literature
- interrelationships between science and wider aspects of society.
Part 2: Apply your knowledge
Part 2 of your degree involves 120 points of coursework—split into Trimester 2 and Trimester 3.
You’ll also put your learning into practice by completing your science communication project and a research essay.
You’ll also do either:
- a work placement
- a research project applying your research skills to a question at the intersection between science and society
- other relevant courses from another discipline of your choice, such as Māori Studies, Public Policy, or Conservation Biology.
While working on your final projects you’ll be supervised by subject experts from within and outside the University. You’ll meet regularly with your fellow MScSoc students in tutorials or seminar sessions.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student, you can study for the MScSoc part time over up to three years, which is six trimesters.
Read her full storyUnder the expert supervision of physicist and author Laurie Winkless, I wrote and illustrated a graphic treatise on the history of underwater diving equipment. I was given the freedom to formulate a science communication project that brought together my passions for art, storytelling, and science, while incorporating the theory of my coursework.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MScSoc degree shall have:
(i) completed a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a science subject or, at the discretion of the programme director, another relevant subject, normally with a B+ average grade or better in the relevant coursework; and
(ii) been accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MScSoc
2. The course of study for the MScSoc shall consist of:
Part 1:
Science Communication (SCIS 410) or approved alternatives; 412; one of (Key Ideas Science in Society (SCIS 411), Science and the Arts (SCIS 414)); and one other 400–500 level course approved by the programme director
Part 2:
(i) Placement and Project (SCIS 587), Research Essay (SCIS 588), Science Communication Project (SCIS 589) or
(ii) Research Essay (SCIS 588), Science Communication Project (SCIS 589), and 60 400- or 500-level points approved by the programme director or
(iii) Research Essay (SCIS 588), Science Communication Project (SCIS 589), Research Project (SCIS 590).
3. A candidate whose course of study includes both parts shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall complete within three years.
Future careers
The MScSoc gives you a practical understanding of the role of science in society. You’ll have strengths in decision making, public engagement, and science communication.
The MScSoc is ideal if you’re looking to move into a career in:
- science communication
- science management and policy
- iwi development
- non-governmental organisation advocacy.
It will also prepare you for further research.
More career information
Find out more about careers in science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Applicants must be full-time post graduate student studying at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is open to students from any course of study which focuses on social justice but students studying Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law and Restorative Justice are encouraged to apply. Students holding a full three-year PhD scholarship are not eligible to apply.
Scholarships for international students
We’re currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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The scholarship is intended to support students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology (with preference given to Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience applicants).
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The purpose of this scholarship is to assist female students in the area of Mathematical Sciences or Geosciences to complete their M.Sc. or PhD thesis, by helping to extend enrolment in the final months of writing up their thesis.
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This scholarship is intended to assist with costs associated with pursuing a Master’s research degree in any research topic related to New Zealand/Aotearoa.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research an area that interests you
As part of your Master’s you’ll complete your own research.
You might look at science in its wider social context, exploring it from a variety of perspectives like feminist or Māori perspectives.
Find out more about Science in Society research and what current students are exploring to get inspired for your own research.
Research links
We have strong and active connections with a range of practitioners and institutions, including:
Why Wellington
Wellington is the centre of media, government, and policymaking in New Zealand, and has thriving scientific and cultural communities, making it an ideal city in which to learn about science in society.
Professional doctorate or PhD?
If you're aiming for an academic research career, our three-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may suit you better than a professional doctorate.
Both professional doctorates and the PhD are research degrees, but they differ in focus:
- Professional doctorates centre your research on your own professional practice.
- The PhD gives you the freedom to explore an academic perspective, across a much wider range of topics, themes, and subject areas.
Academic staff research areas
Courtney Addison
Senior Lecturer
Nayantara Sheoran Appleton
Senior Lecturer
Sara Belcher
Senior Lecturer
Tim Corballis
Senior Lecturer
Hazel Godfrey
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Laura Kranz
Assistant Lecturer
Sarah-Jane O'Connor
Associate Dean, Students and Taught Postgraduate
Rebecca Priestley
Professor
Rhian Salmon
Head of School
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.