Master of Science in Society

Look at science in its wider social context. Explore how scientists can work with different groups and communities. Use traditional knowledge, the arts, and the humanities to respond to pressing issues facing society today.

The most pressing issues facing society today—including climate change, artificial intelligence, and the impact of new technologies—are underpinned by science. In the age of social media, clickbait headlines and 'fake news', we need new means of communicating science and engaging different groups and communities.

The Master of Science in Society is a cross-disciplinary programme that considers the social context and communication of science, and its relation to mātauranga Māori and other forms of knowledge. It combines taught courses, research projects, and your choice of final project.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Careers

This degree gives you a practical understanding of the role of science in society. It is ideal if you are looking to move into a career in science communication, science management and policy, decision making, public engagement, iwi development, or non-governmental organisation advocacy. It will also equip you for further research on the social aspects of science.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Broad perspectives

Develop your understanding of contemporary scientific issues, and draw from a range of diverse fields in the humanities, social sciences, and the creative arts to gain a broader and more nuanced perspective on science.

Gain an insight into the range of perspectives different communities have on scientific and environmental issues, and explore the important role of mātauranga Māori and other Indigenous knowledge in science decision-making.

Related programmes

If you’re interested in researching a specific topic in more depth, Science in Society can be studied as a subject within the Master of Science by thesis.

You can also specialise in Science Communication within the Master of Communication.

Learn from the best

Learn from award-winning academics and professionals who are leaders in the field of science communication, public engagement with science, natural and social science, the humanities, and the arts. You'll also be exposed to a wide range of expertise from across the university and from visiting experts.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and beautiful capital. Wellington's the centre of media, government and policy-making in New Zealand—and has a thriving scientific community.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

Your Master of Science in Society may include enough research to qualify you to apply for PhD study.

Completing a PhD is the recommended pathway if you want to pursue an academic or research career. You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.

A PhD will cost between $6,800 and $8,200 each year depending on your subject.

The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) will handle your application and support you throughout your PhD study.

Contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering about available supervision before you apply.

Learn about how you'll study for your Master of Science in Society degree.

How you’ll study

The Master of Science in Society is a 180-point taught Master’s degree that can be completed in one year of full-time study or up to three years of part-time study.

It includes a mix of core courses and electives, which can be chosen from any relevant discipline—including Environmental Studies, Māori Studies, Psychology, and other sciences, by agreement with the programme coordinator.

The programme has two parts: coursework in Part 1, and predominantly project work in Part 2.

Part 1

The first part takes place in Trimester 1, is based on-campus and is compulsory for all students.

Part 1 is a programme of taught courses to develop critical thinking and communication skills, expose you to relevant theory and literature, and introduce you to interrelationships between science and wider aspects of society.

You'll take three core 400-level courses, and complete an additional approved course worth 15 points.

You'll also do the field component of SCIS 412, Science in Society Research and Methods, at the end of Trimester 1.

Part 2

You'll go on to put your learning into practice in Part 2 by completing your science communication project and a research essay. You'll also do a work placement or a research project, or choose other relevant courses from another discipline of your choice, such as Māori Studies, Public Policy or Conservation Biology.

Read the full requirements for the Master of Science in Society.

While working on your final projects you'll be supervised by subject experts from within and outside of the University, and will continue to meet regularly with your fellow students in tutorials or seminar sessions.

Study off-campus

You may complete your Master's remotely by arrangement with the programme coordinator. You'll need to have sufficient internet access to take part in online seminars, lectures, and workshops.

Duration and workload

The Master of Science in Society will take you three trimesters (one year) of full-time study, or up to three years for part-time students.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.

If you're a part-time domestic student, you can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Duration and workload

The Master of Science in Society will take you three trimesters (one year) of full-time study. You can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.