phd sociology new zealand

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PhD Sociology

Course code.

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

Course planning information

General progression requirements, assessments.

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Textbooks needed.

There are no set texts for this course.

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Ask an Academic Adviser for more information about this course.

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You can enrol to study this course in the student portal if you have already been accepted to study at Massey. New students need to apply for admission to a qualification first.

If you want to study a course without completing a qualification, you can apply for a Certificate of Proficiency .

Useful planning information

• Find more courses or qualifications
• Planning your study
• Application process overview
• Semester dates
• Fees and funding
• Scholarships and awards search
• International students’ information

Why study Sociology?

You'll explore how people organise and form groups, form larger social structures, and how societies evolve over time. As a budding sociologist, you'll be challenged to assume little in the hopes of clearing the way for new conclusions.

You'll ask questions like how different groups view social reality and why certain views become accepted within groups over time. You'll dissect the interwoven nature and influence of parents, peers, elders, teachers and the media on society. We'll also challenge you to consider why some societies are war-torn while others remain peaceful – why some behaviour is acceptable while others are less desirable. You'll look for solutions and debate how societies change.

Sociology at Waikato takes a thematic approach and includes papers in criminology, the family, popular culture and theoretical perspectives.  As part of a degree in Sociology papers in social policy, women and gender studies and labour studies can be included.

Teaching staff provide plenty of mentoring and direction along the way and allow students opportunities to throw out ideas in a relaxed and informal learning environment. Studying Sociology at Waikato will open your eyes to the inner workings of society and how people drive them.

Career Opportunities

• Community Advocate
• Community Development Advisor
• Criminal justice worker
• Criminology researcher
• Policy Analyst
• Research Advisor
• Youth or Family Worker
• School of Psychological and Social Sciences

Hamilton, Tauranga, Online

Study Sociology in these qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Climate Change
• Master of Social Sciences
• Master of Arts
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Graduate Diploma
• Postgraduate Diploma

Study in Tauranga

In Tauranga you can major in Sociology within these degrees:

Scholarships and prizes

Visit our  Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

Subject regulations

Sociology Subject regulations

Sociology papers

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Study Sociology at Otago

Illuminate the connections between everyday experience and social structure.

Sociology considers the ways that everyday lives relate to the social structures that shape identity, relationships and power in society.

Students of Sociology develop a set of critical lenses that shed new light on the social world.

A Sociology degree will prepare students to dissect the multiple layers of our social reality – with all its pitfalls and promises – and apply that knowledge to guide our society to a better future.

Ready to enrol?

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Dunedin, 2025
• Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Dunedin, 2025
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Dunedin, 2025
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)), Dunedin, 2025
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts), Dunedin, 2025
• Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)), Dunedin, 2025
• Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)), Dunedin, 2024
• Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)), Dunedin, 2025
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), Dunedin, 2025
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Dunedin, 2024
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Dunedin, 2025

Why study Sociology?

If you believe that Sociology has meaning, relevance and applicability beyond the University, you are already one step ahead in developing your sociological imagination. This term was coined by the American sociologist, C Wright Mills, who wanted us to see how our “private troubles” related to “public issues”.

For instance, instead of blaming people for their circumstances, with our sociological imagination we can begin to see how political arrangements, economic forces and the broader social order operate to create a world in which some people have the opportunities to advance, while others do not.

While the experience of being poor, unemployed or discriminated against is felt very deeply at the personal level, our sociological imagination encourages us to understand how the thoughts, feelings and actions of the individual relate to broader structural and historical realities.

In the words of Mills, “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise. To recognize this task and this promise is the mark of the classic social analyst.” (Mills, 1959, p12)

By igniting your sociological imagination, you will begin to understand how personal choice is shaped by social context.

What will I study?

Are you interested in people and social relationships? Do you find habits, mannerisms and everyday life interesting? If so, Sociology is for you.

Sociology is useful for anyone working with people, particularly in groups or organisational settings. Sociological research and analysis can make an important contribution to the development of sound social policies that address inequality and promote social justice.

In addition, the study of Sociology will help you to acquire diverse skills that can be applied in a range of settings. These include the ability to:

• Ask insightful questions about power, human behaviour and social processes.
• Deepen our understanding of social issues using a variety of research methods.
• Critically analyse information.
• Develop your own theories about the social world.
• Propose alternatives that promote social justice.

Career opportunities

Sociology graduates work in a variety of fields such as local and national politics, government departments, non-profit organisations, trade unions, social services, public health, journalism, social policy development, advertising and marketing, human resources and academia.

Sociology at Otago

Sociology can be studied as a major or a minor subject within the three-year Bachelor of Arts degree, or a Bachelor of Arts and Science. Many students who choose to major in the Arts or Social Sciences include Sociology papers in their degree.

In their first year, Sociology students are introduced to key concepts and approaches in local and global sociology. Second- and third- year papers explore theory; methods; basic social processes (such as interaction, modernity and culture); aspects of institutional life (such as family, education, health, politics and the economy); and drivers of social change (such as colonisation, globalisation, environmental sustainability, technology, youth culture and popular protest).

Teaching style

Sociology at Otago has a reputation for teaching excellence and innovation. Our teaching style involves interactive lectures and small group tutorials, where students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to practical cases. Students are helped to prepare for University life and are given assessment tasks that incorporate incremental skills development.

Background required

The single most important requirement for the study of Sociology is curiosity and the willingness to look beneath the surface. A background in social sciences, history, geography or liberal arts is useful, but not required. Most students will be studying Sociology for the first time so everyone will be on an equal footing.

Requirements

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Sociology is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).

Minor subject requirements

Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

SOCI papers

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
• Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)

More information

Email [email protected] Website otago.ac.nz/sgc

Studying at Otago

• Domestic students
• International students

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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PhDs and Doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must show significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge. Studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, enable you to discover new things, and develop new skills. Check out the options and requirements.

Perhaps you have a burning intellectual curiosity about something, wish to advance your career or even change career direction and increase your employability and earning capacity. Either way you can be sure that studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, allow you to discover new things, and develop new skills.

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge.

In addition to your thesis research, UC offers a number of workshops and seminars for thesis students to develop general skills such as career planning, time management, networking, and communication skills. See the 'Further study' section below for more details.

A number of  scholarships and awards  are available for doctoral students.

Qualification options keyboard_arrow_down

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

A  Doctor of Philosophy  involves extensive and sustained original research in a subject of your choice, with the results being presented in a thesis. It is normally the highest academic qualification available and is a mark of intellectual ability and independence, critical thinking, self-discipline, and commitment. PhDs are offered in a wide range of subjects at UC, and are by thesis only.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A  Doctor of Education  is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study. The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

The  Doctor of Health Sciences  offers clinical and non-clinical professionals collaborative research opportunities and contacts with local industry. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The  Doctor of Musical Arts  is a doctoral degree that is specific to advanced research in music composition or performance. It comprises scholarly research in the form of a supervised research thesis and performance practice in the form of public music performance or the presentation of compositions. International students will need to pay international fees for this doctorate.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

The minimum requirements to apply for doctoral study are that you should have completed, or be in the process of completing, a research-focused  honours degree  or  master's degree . For PhD study you must achieve this degree at either the level of First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent).

For international applicants, our International Office, in consultation with your host department, look at your previous qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the necessary background required to complete a doctoral degree at UC. You are also required to meet UC's  English language requirements  for admission.

Find out how to  apply for PhD and Doctoral degrees .

See also  Financial and Enrolment Information — Doctorate, Master's Thesis, and Dissertation Students Policy .

Identifying a supervisor

As part of the admissions process, you must  identify a potential research supervisor  before submitting a formal application to enrol in a PhD. A supervisor must be an academic member of staff at UC. Over 500 academics at UC have expertise in a large variety of topics. To identify experts in a given area and to find out about the research interests of staff in your discipline, you can search the school or department website, or the  UC Research Profile database .

If you identify any possible supervisors, please contact them directly to discuss your potential research topic and ascertain whether suitable supervision might be available. When you have identified a supervisor who is willing to support your application to enrol please  complete the admissions documents.

For more information visit the  Find a Supervisor webpage .

Specific qualification entry requirements

If you are applying for  Doctor of Musical Arts  study, you will typically require an audition, interview, and/or submission of previous academic work and recommendation from  Te Kura Puoro | School of Music .

A  Doctor of Health Sciences  requires at least five years of relevant professional practice in the clinical or non-clinical industry.

How do I plan my degree? keyboard_arrow_down

During your doctoral degree you will investigate a research topic and develop your research skills, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis undergoes examination by two independent examiners prior to you having an oral examination.

Your thesis must:

• be an original contribution to knowledge/understanding in its field
• meet internationally recognised standards for doctoral research in its field
• demonstrate knowledge of literature relevant to the field to which it belongs, and the ability to exercise critical and analytical judgment of that literature
• be satisfactory in its method, in the quality and coherence of its expression, and in its scholarly presentation and format.

The doctoral programmes are structured in PhD reporting milestones to track your progress. These must be submitted to the  Dean of Postgraduate Research  and approved every six months.

The exact structure of programme will vary based on the nature of the research being undertaken and agreed to with your senior supervisor.

You can begin a  Doctor of Philosophy  or  Doctor of Musical Arts  on the first day of any month of the year, and should regard study and research as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year. The minimum period of enrolment if you are a full-time student is 3 years (PhD students should normally complete their thesis within 4 years). There are provisions for you to apply for part-time study, in which case the minimum period is 4.5 years, and you should complete your thesis within 6 years.

The first two years of the  Doctor of Education  and  Doctor of Health Sciences  degrees are part-time for all. These doctorates will take 4-6 years to complete, or part-time only for up to 6 years.

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Additional skills and training opportunities.

In addition to providing world-class research supervision and facilities, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is committed to providing PhD students with a range of opportunities to engage in a broader research-based experience, equipping students with research skills, introductions to professional networks, and enhanced career opportunities.

A UC doctoral graduate will not only be recognised for the quality of their research thesis, but will also have additional research skills and experiences.

While doing a doctorate at UC, you will have the opportunity to participate in:

• transferable skills workshops
• research design and statistical analysis workshops
• 'Surviving your Thesis' seminars
• networking opportunities, within and outside the University
• presentation experience
• social events.

Many doctoral students also have the opportunity to undertake teaching assistance work.

For social networking and events,  UC Postgraduate Students' Association (UC PGSA)  is run by students and works closely with the Dean of Postgraduate Research to enhance the UC postgraduate student experience.

Support for research students

Te kura tāura.

Te Kura Tāura | UC Graduate School is a space where our graduate research students can access wraparound support at every stage of their journey, from initial enquiry through to graduation.

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• Ngā akoranga | Study
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• You are currently on: Postgraduate study

Postgraduate study in Sociology

What can you study in sociology.

Postgraduate study in Sociology allows you to advance your knowledge of sociological literature, theories and methods, while you develop your own research interests.

You can study topics such as:

• Mental health
• Human rights
• Citizenship
• State crime
• Political ecology of youth and crime
• Identity and the settler states
• Family and policy
• Globalisation
• Critical theory
• Social change

Entry requirements

Bachelor of arts (honours) in sociology.

A BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Sociology. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in the major.

Master of Arts in Sociology

120-point (one-year) ma.

A BA(Hons) or PGDipArts in Sociology with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher. There are higher requirements for some research options.

180-point (18-month) MA

A BA with a major in Sociology. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the major.

Structuring your specialisation in Sociology

Consult the BA(Hons) schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

BA(Hons) schedule for Sociology

Consult the MA schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

MA schedule for Sociology

Explore the courses you can take as part of a specialisation in Sociology:

Postgraduate courses

Scholarships and awards

• Major postgraduate scholarships
• Scholarships and awards in Sociology

Help and advice

Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on planning your degree and enrolling in your courses at Student Hubs .

If you would like to find out more about studying Sociology, you can contact a  Postgraduate Adviser .

Postgraduate programmes

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Master of Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Related subjects

• Criminology

Why a New Zealand PhD?

New zealand’s phd package.

International PhD students in New Zealand enjoy the following benefits:

How to apply

Apply now to your preferred university:.

Victoria University of Wellington

The University of Waikato

The University of Otago

Massey University

Lincoln University

The University of Canterbury

AUT University

The University of Auckland

Jessica Patiño-Pérez | Colombian PhD student

Still have questions?

How much are tuition fees, what is the phd structure, what is the length of a phd programme, how will my phd be assessed, how soon are you planning to begin your studies.

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Te Kura Mahinga Tangata

School of --> school of social and cultural studies, sociology and social policy.

Get to know our Sociology students and gain an insight into their research.

Mitch Davies

Tracing Sociotechnical Networks in Organisations: An Actor-Network Approach | MA Thesis

Supervisor: Dr Mike Lloyd

Secondary supervisor: Dr Grant Jun Otsuki

• [email protected]

Dani Pickering

Restoring relationality: tracing the evolving cognitive praxis of the Tiriti education movement | PhD Thesis

Supervisor: Dr Amanda Thomas

Secondary supervisor: Associate Professor Marcelle Dawson

• [email protected]

Nabilah Binte Abdul Rahman

Everyday solidarity and resistance: Southeast Asian tauiwi for decolonial futures in Aotearoa | PhD Thesis

Supervisor: Dr Janepicha Cheva-Isarakul

Secondary supervisor: Associate Professor Maria Bargh

• [email protected]

Josh Cheesman

Hypermodernity, Sociotemporality, and Progress | PhD Thesis

Supervisor: Associate Professor Chamsy el-Ojeili

Secondary supervisor: Dr Eli Elinoff

• [email protected]

Hafsa Tameez

The Wise Ones are all Mad: Cultural Dimensions of Mental Health over Time in India | PhD Thesis

Secondary supervisor: Professor Kevin Dew

• [email protected]