Explore science in its social context
Expand your understanding of the way we think and talk about science, and how science affects today’s society. Look at current challenges such as climate change, gene editing, renewable energy, big data, and vaccine hesitancy.
To respond to these issues, you need science knowledge and an awareness of people and society. You’ll study the history, philosophy, politics, ethics, and technology of science. You’ll also explore natural sciences, mātauranga Māori, anthropology, psychology, and critical theory.
A Science in Society minor is available to students from all disciplines and complements any other area you study. Use it to broaden your science study with social lenses, or give you concrete scientific examples to apply critical, social perspectives to.
Combine scientific focus with social perspectives
Science in society helps you to approach contemporary challenges from a range of viewpoints—across scientific and social perspectives.
Examine the changing role of science and scientists over time, and explore how people and governments use science to resolve a range of practical problems.
Through your study, you'll develop persuasive writing and communication skills, and an ability to engage with multiple audiences.
Choose your study path
At undergraduate level, Science in Society can only be studied as a minor. You’ll need to select another subject to focus on for your major.
You can apply what you learn from Science in Society courses to all the majors in the:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Environment and Society
- Bachelor of Psychology.
Science in Society also complements programmes in Health, Law, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
For example, you could pair a Science in Society minor with:
- a major in Artificial Intelligence to explore how social inequities can be reproduced through AI
- a major in Climate Science to consider social, political, and scientific responses to the climate crisis.
Study Science in Society as electives
You can also take standalone Science in Society courses as electives in any degree. They’ll expand the scope of your study, and allow you to explore interests that intersect with your degree.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Science in Society at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Study online in your own time
When taken as a minor, Science in Society has one required in-person course. There are many online courses you can choose from to complete your minor.
Watch pre-recorded video lectures, and discuss what you’re learning with students and subject-matter experts in online forums.
Balance your study with other subjects
These online options help you to balance your study around other class commitments like labs and tutorials, and in your own time and space.
Several of our courses run twice during the year, including during trimester 3. This helps you fit in a Science in Society minor around your other study.
Future careers
A Science in Society minor gives you versatile skills for many careers.
If you pursue a career specific to your major, your minor will give you complementary skills such as:
- critical and creative thinking
- information literacy
- verbal and written communication skills.
Find out about Science in Society roles and career pathways, where graduates work, and how to build relevant skills or career connections in your specific area of study.
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 teachers
Teach NZ offers scholarships if you enrol in an approved undergraduate or graduate teaching course.
Scholarships for Science in Society
-
The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are 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 in Society
-
Applicants must be of Pacific Islands descent, enrolled or intending to enrol in a postgraduate programme in Pacific Studies.
-
Applicants must be female who are about to graduate from Victoria University of Wellington at the time of application, and intend to study for a Masters by coursework, Masters by Thesis or PhD in the following year. Selection will be based on academic merit.
-
The Wellington Graduate Award encourages undergraduate students to proceed to graduate study and to research degrees. The University offers Wellington Graduate Awards to domestic and international students intending to embark upon an Honours degree or a Master's degree Part 1. The Scholarship value is $5,000 and will be paid directly towards tuition fees. International students will be liable to pay...
Postgraduate study
Earn a postgraduate qualification in Science in Society and increase your career options.
You could apply for the:
- Master of Science in Society
- Master of Science (Science in Society)
- Master of Communication.
We also offer a Postgraduate Certificate in Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science. These may suit you if you:
- are looking to add to your current qualifications
- seek professional development around your current work
- are not ready to commit to a full Master’s degree.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.