Programme details

Graduate Diploma in Political Science

Waikato's Political Science program offers a thorough understanding of national and international politics, equipping students with skills to tackle pressing political challenges and pursue diverse career opportunities.

Course description

The Political Science program will explore the reasons behind the emergence of armed conflict in some crises while others find peaceful resolutions, as well as the factors that contribute to the success of democracy in certain nations and its decline in others. We encourage you to draw insights from international politics and to contemplate political solutions to global crises. You will be prompted to address challenging questions regarding equality and freedom, such as whether one must be compromised for the other to prosper. The Political Science program is notably adaptable, offering career prospects across various sectors including local and national government, media, education, industry, business, labor organizations, and social services.

Additionally, we provide minors in Public Policy and International Relations, enabling you to delve into pertinent contemporary issues. Studying Political Science at Waikato not only equips you with a comprehensive understanding of political matters but also establishes a versatile foundation of knowledge and skills applicable to numerous fields.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue diverse and rewarding career opportunities, including roles such as

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

Entry requirements

Graduate diplomas are designed to offer the equivalent of a major in a field distinct from that of your initial degree. Eligibility may be granted to individuals who have not previously pursued a degree, provided they can show a genuine interest in the subject area and possess adequate academic capabilities. The exact academic performance requirements may differ depending on the country of origin.

English Language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
iBT (internet-based) TOEFL 80 with a score of 21 in writing
iBT (home-based) TOEFL 80 with a score of 21 in writing
Duolingo English Test (DET) 105
C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) 169 and no bands below 162
Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 33-37 score per skill
NCUK English for Academic Purposes Minimum C grade average with no lower than D in all components. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 4 (Academic)
Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) Minimum score of 54
Pearson PTE Academic Overall score of 50 with no Band less than 42
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II with distinction in all four components
University of Waikato College Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme

Credits
120

Duration
1 year

Intakes

March, July

International fees
approx $30,896 - $46,850 per year

Location

Qualification Type

Study level