Master of Social Sciences 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.

Physics aims to understand the entire physical world, from the sub-atomic to the cosmological.

In the School of Science, Physics is taught at a postgraduate level. By studying with us you will develop a thorough understanding of theoretical physics and gain advanced knowledge in areas such as quantum theory and biophysics.

Many famous scientists, such as Einstein and Newton were physicists. Physicists are versed in mathematics, computer programming, experimental science and the design of complex instruments. They are among the most versatile scientists, able to easily cross boundaries into other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, medicine, Earth and planetary sciences. There are biophysicists, geophysicists, astrophysicists and neurophysicists.

Electronics covers a wide range of exciting modern developments ranging from microscopic electronic circuits and machines, mobile and computer communications, advances in medical diagnosis and treatment, to developments in the latest audio and video technologies.

Studying electronics at the University of Waikato will give you valuable skills in electronic engineering and design. You will have the option to specialise in some of the most progressive areas in electronics today such as optoelectronics or mechatronics.

Optoelectronics deals with the conversion of electrical signals to light or vice-versa.  Solar cells, fibre optics and lasers are integral components of everyday devices such as supermarket barcode scanners and long distance communication systems.

Mechatronics combines aspects of electronic software and mechanical engineering to produce devices such as printers, cars, aircraft, photocopiers and even washing machines. These are fast growing areas in which you can develop a productive and satisfying career.

Prepare yourself for a career in primary, composite, intermediate, and middle schools or Kura, working with children from five to 13 years old.

You'll gain a solid foundation in all aspects of the New Zealand curriculum. You'll also learn about professional and ethical practices, child development, issues that face teachers and learners with special needs, teaching children from diverse backgrounds, classroom management, environmental education for sustainability, and the wider contexts of school, community, and national systems.

On practicum, you'll take an active role in the classroom over several weeks in a school, under the guidance of an associate teacher. This includes a minimum of one day per week in the first year of your degree, a six-week block in the second year, and an eight-week block in the third year.

During your degree, you'll experience different types of schools and work with a range of age groups.

The Human Development program explores the development of individuals, families, groups and communities throughout the human lifespan. It is important for those wishing to go into professions such as youth work, eldercare, social work, counselling and teaching. An understanding of human development is relevant to many other careers that involve working with or for people.

Papers  develop skills relevant to career objectives such as human relations, human services, program planning, community liaison, counselling, policy and evaluation, administration of programs concerned with the family or other groups and research.

Graduates gain a solid foundation in theory and research to understand and explain the development of people from the early years through to old age, have the ability to examine how different contexts influence people's lives, learning and behaviour, and are able to apply this knowledge to specific life situation

Environmental Planning at Waikato develops your knowledge of how human behaviour affects the environment. We'll inspire you to understand how social, economic and cultural aspects, and the physical environment contribute to problems and provide solutions.

During your Environmental Planning studies, we'll involve you in a variety of other academic pursuits that enable you to understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues. You'll take papers in the social and natural sciences and make direct connections between human behaviour, politics and the natural environment.

Learning isn't all in the classroom, either. We take frequent field trips to explore first-hand the impact humans have on the local environment. You'll do practical group research projects such as investigate urban regeneration of the Central Business District and study policy options to manage human impact on coastal dune systems.

It's a vocational program, which means you'll have the professional qualification, skills and expertise that will enable you to make a positive impact on the places you love and the places you live.

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

This subject will prepare you for an exciting global career managing tourism or hospitality businesses or events, in an industry that's focused on finding out what visitors want, and satisfying their needs. It's your ticket to work anywhere in the world!

You might even decide to become an entrepreneur and start up your own tourism or hospitality business.

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.

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 intercultural communication.

Molecular and Cellular Biology explores the complex mechanisms that coordinate the essential systems that define a living cell and that allow cells to have differentiated properties. This knowledge is used to look at how unicellular and multicellular organisms function and how it can provide researchers with crucial insights into the basis of human and animal diseases.

By studying a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Waikato, you will

• Gain a detailed knowledge of the molecules of life and the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules;
• Understand the subcellular and cellular organisation of eukaryotic cells and the key catabolic, anabolic and metabolic cellular processes that occur;
• Learn how to distinguish between the genetic organisation and gene expression of viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes, and describe the mechanisms of inheritance and evolution;
• Be able to describe the anatomy and physiology of mammals and other organisms, and the mechanisms behind certain diseases.

Along with relevant subject knowledge, you will also gain a range of critical thinking skills, and practical learning experiences from our range of challenging and innovative papers and programs. There is a significant laboratory component to the Molecular and Cellular Biology major, where you will learn relevant skills and be exposed to some of the latest techniques available.

Teaching is research-led, and you can expect to be taught by world-class researchers. Research strengths within Molecular and Cellular Biology include active programs within molecular biology, structural biology and protein engineering, neuroendocrine processes that underlie food intake and biomedical related research relevant to veterinary and human medicine.

Electronics covers a wide range of exciting modern developments ranging from microscopic electronic circuits and machines, mobile and computer communications, advances in medical diagnosis and treatment, to developments in the latest audio and video technologies.

Studying electronics at the University of Waikato will give you valuable skills in electronic engineering and design. You will have the option to specialise in some of the most progressive areas in electronics today such as optoelectronics or mechatronics.

Optoelectronics deals with the conversion of electrical signals to light or vice-versa.  Solar cells, fibre optics and lasers are integral components of everyday devices such as supermarket barcode scanners and long distance communication systems.

Mechatronics combines aspects of electronic software and mechanical engineering to produce devices such as printers, cars, aircraft, photocopiers and even washing machines. These are fast growing areas in which you can develop a productive and satisfying career.

International Management deals with business activities that span the globe, across countries and cultures. New Zealand businesses must learn how to operate in countries that have very different laws, economic systems, technology and cultural values to our own.

In this subject, you will learn about some of the barriers and opportunities facing New Zealand exporters, how to develop strategies for entering and servicing international markets, the benefits of e-commerce technologies, managing international alliances and networks, cross-cultural communication, and some of the key strategies used by companies that operate across national borders.

This subject will prepare you for an exciting range of careers in the commercial sector, particularly in exporting, international management, finance, tourism, and government departments such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Alongside your international management papers, you can also choose to learn or continue to learn a foreign language.

International Management may suit you if you're adventurous, business minded, enjoy overseas travel, and have good communication and language skills (or are willing to learn a language.