Master of Philosophy in Economics

at The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus New Zealand

Efficiently converting the world’s raw materials and commodity goods into products is important to the global economy.  To do this, we need to understand the properties of materials as diverse as food, wood, metals, plastics and fuel.

By studying Materials and Processing at the University of Waikato, you will learn how to add value to raw materials used to manufacture a number of useful products, while minimising waste.  These products can be as varied as dietary formulae, foods, ceramics that can withstand high temperatures, new metal alloys, pharmaceuticals, laminated boards, functional proteins, and composites.

Materials and processing skills are used in industrial and other activities where materials are undergoing chemical, biochemical or physical changes.

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.

The world of public relations is fast-growing and exciting. Get the public relations skills you need to help an organisation build trusted relationships with its key stakeholders and enhance its public reputation.

If you enjoy writing and talking to different people, and love framing ideas in imaginative and engaging ways, then a career in Public Relations may be right for you.

Public relations practitioners plan and implement communication campaigns to influence people’s attitudes and behaviour. They are effective networkers who work closely with journalists to manage media publicity, and act as a crucial link between an organisation and its publics, such as the community, customers and corporate shareholders.

Public Relations professionals are also involved with crisis and issues management, government relations, lobbying, events, sponsorship and fundraising, and employee relations.

Mathematics is a subject of vital importance that underpins many activities of our modern world. Employers recognise University of Waikato Mathematics graduates for their analytical and problem solving skills as well as their high level of numeracy, which are critical skills for a broad range of jobs.

If you are a graduate with a Mathematics degree, or even with a strong Mathematical component to your degree, you will be a valuable person in today's workforce, with a qualification that appeals to a wide range of employers including banks, insurance companies, schools and government departments.

There is strong employer demand for Mathematicians, due to a shortage of Mathematics graduates and in particular a critical shortage of Mathematics teachers.

Aquaculture involves studying the underlying reproductive physiology and developmental biology of early life cycle strategies used by aquatic animal species. This knowledge is examined for its use in the husbandry, breeding and sustainable production of species in aquaculture.

As a University of Waikato aquaculture student, you will be able to understand and apply your knowledge of marine ecology, marine biosecurity and legislation relating to sustainable aquaculture. You will understand the key principles and practices in the aquaculture of fish, invertebrates, and algae.

You will also be able to identify opportunities, issues, and solutions relevant to the New Zealand aquaculture industry and “Blue Economy”, including the need to create diverse aquaculture projects that are both profitable and ecologically sustainable.

Build a successful career
Students with a major in Aquaculture tend to find employment in a range of primary industries (particularly marine and coastal-based activities), and future employers include the aquaculture and marine bioproduct industry, local and national government bodies (such as the Department of Conservation and Regional Councils) and Crown Research Institutes (such as NIWA, AgResearch and Plant & Food Research).

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and significantly impacts New Zealand's economy – we need experts to steer that growth.

The rapid growth of domestic and international tourism and migration has led to an increasing demand for graduates who have a thorough understanding of tourism in its wider social, cultural, economic and political contexts.

Tourism and hospitality is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing export industries, and it can take your career to new places.

The industry encompasses hotels/resorts, cruise ships, sport and leisure operators, restaurants, cafes, bars, theme parks, entertainment, arts and cultural attractions, special events, and much more.

The study of tourism involves predicting the future – working out what people want from their leisure and travel pursuits, and how those wants are delivered and managed. You'll study the structure of different tourism organisations, aspects of hospitality and leisure, and the environmental and economic impacts of tourism operations.

Employers are looking for skillful, business-savvy managers who can plan, control, make strategic decisions, and understand the legal requirements for this sector - and that's where you come in.

• Learn how to design and deliver memorable travel experiences
• Build practical knowledge in areas such as service management, designing operational systems, business strategy, leading teams of staff, and managing financial resources.
• Gain skills in destination marketing, event management, and inter-cultural communication.

The pressure on our environment is increasing as the human population grows. Environmental Sciences provide a basis for understanding environmental problems, and finding solutions to them.

The growing human population is expected to exceed 9 billion within the next 40 years.  The need to provide for increasing human demands, while protecting and sustainably managing the environment, is one of our greatest global challenges. Environmental Science is at the core of this challenge.

A major in Environmental Sciences at Waikato encompasses ecology, earth sciences, and environmental chemistry as well as many other disciplines. It is about understanding and managing human impacts on our land, biodiversity, freshwater, oceans, atmosphere and climate while providing the food, water, energy, and mineral resource needs that are critical to our survival.

Education and Society involves critical inquiry into the social, political, cultural, and economic policies, theories and practices of education in New Zealand society. Its origins are in humanities and social science disciplines such as History, Philosophy, and Sociology, and it has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring social policy, culture, gender, and work. Education and Society raises questions about the role of education in addressing issues of social justice, power and inequality.

Anthropology is the study of humanity in all its fantastic diversity. Waikato's Anthropology students learn from anthropologists who have a strong Pacific focus and engage in research across a wide range of crucial global issues.

Cultural anthropology, our area of specialty, is the interpretation and appreciation of the vast array of cultural possibilities for human life. Studying Anthropology will challenge students to reimagine their assumptions about their own societies and cultures and develop a toolkit to critically understand their changing world.

Be a business trailblazer and use your innovative thinking to help drive companies forward in a fast-paced world that is changing with a click.

Studying Economics will help you develop the analytical skills needed to be an effective problem solver of real-life issues. You'll learn how to apply your skills to issues ranging from employment and housing, to public health, transport and environmental pollution.

Economists contribute to government decision-making on many different issues, such as shaping new laws and taxes, or advising on international trade agreements. They can also be involved in recommending incentives and penalties geared towards changing people's behaviour, such as encouraging people to leave their car at home.

You'll learn how to explain the reasons for different market structures, analyse the implications of government policy, anticipate how people might react to price changes, and demonstrate the gains from trade.

If you're passionate about business, current affairs, finance or maths then economics may be a good fit for you. Economics brings together ideas from many different areas: politics, psychology, sociology, geography, law and statistics.