Bachelor of Social Sciences

Depending on what area of interest or major subject you choose, your BSocSc will be taught by one of three areas:

School of Arts and School of Social Sciences

As a Bachelor of Social Sciences student you will explore the drivers and influences behind humanity and why society acts in particular ways. You will develop invaluable critical analysis skills, research capabilities and skills in information gathering, analysis, reporting and informed decision making under the expert guidance of our world-recognised researchers.

Graduates will help improve the societies of tomorrow with the ability to look beyond preconceptions, understand the interplay between social forces, economics and politics and equip themselves to drive change. A BSocSc will challenge your thinking about the world and the people who live in it.

We offer a range of exciting subjects and specialisations to choose from. Three of our major subjects – Geography, Philosophy and Sociology – are ranked among the top 250 in the world (QS Rankings).

The full three years of the BSocSc can be completed in Tauranga. Students can major in Political Science, Psychology, Social Policy and Sociology.

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education

Everyone has a stake in the future of learning. The Bachelor of Social Sciences with Te Kura Toi Tangata will develop your expertise in lifelong learning and teaching across all areas of society, including adult education, community development, and workplace learning.

A Bachelor of Social Sciences will challenge your thinking about the world and the people who live in it.  Contemporary social issues and concepts of social responsibility will be explored through teaching, learning and education. The degree offers social science majors in Human Development, Education and Society, and Digital Learning. It offers minors in Adult Learning, and Relational and Inclusive Practices, along with core papers on teaching and learning.

With a focus on critical and creative thinking, ethics, and sustainability, our students gain the transferable skills needed to understand and interpret educational and social trends in Aotearoa and around the world, and apply these across many different professional settings. Highly sought after by employers, our students develop research skills in information-gathering, analysis, reporting, and decision-making under the expert guidance of our world-renowned lecturers.

Our teaching staff are experienced, meaning that students benefit from a well-developed grounding in theory and the meaningful practical knowledge needed to succeed.

We see our graduates making a difference in many industries, including for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, health, community and policy development, and local and central government.

Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

This degree will help you to develop an appreciation of indigenous and global issues. An understanding of indigenous topics such as languages, treaties, resource management, sovereignty and equality are all integral in today’s multicultural world.  Couple these learnings with an insight into Tikanga Māori practices to equip you for the diverse workforce in New Zealand and abroad.

You can choose from our subject majors of Pacific and Indigenous Studies or Māori and Indigenous Studies.