Political Science

Political Science at Waikato offers a broad spectrum of political knowledge on both national and international issues. You'll seek answers to some of the most difficult political issues of today and gain skills for many potential career paths.
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Why study Political Science?

The Political Science programme will ask you why some crises lead to armed conflict while others resolve peacefully - why democracy thrives in some countries while it dies in others. We challenge you to learn lessons from international politics and to consider political solutions to international crises. We push you to consider tough questions like those involving equality and freedom - must one be sacrificed for the other to flourish?

Political Science is a highly flexible programme and will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services. We also offer minors in Public Policy and in International Relations which further allows you to investigate relevant contemporary issues.

Political Science at Waikato not only gives you a well-rounded perspective on political issues but also provides a versatile base of knowledge and skills to enter many fields.

Career Opportunities

  • Advocate
  • Central and Local Government Officer
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
  • Māori Development Policy Adviser
  • Media Analyst
  • Policy Analyst

Hamilton, Tauranga, Online

Subject Requirements

For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Subject Regulations for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: alpss@waikato.ac.nz

Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.

Scholarships and prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships

Political Science papers

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Law, Politics and Philosophy

Te Piringa Faculty of Law, The University of Waikato, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand