Master of Environment and Society

Studying for your Master of Environment and Society (MEnvSoc) at the University of Waikato gives you the chance to build on the skills and knowledge you've already gained during your undergraduate degree. You'll learn how to critically analyse the various points of view relating to environmental challenges. You'll develop your understanding of these different perspectives, and learn how to use your insights to deal with those challenges.

During your MEnvSoc, you'll do a combination of studying essential papers and preparing a dissertation or thesis. You'll be able to complete up to 120 points worth of papers and either a 60-point dissertation or a 90-point thesis. Your dissertation or thesis will be based on your own research, and you'll choose a topic relating to environmental and societal inter-relationships.

You might also like to include some relevant papers from other areas, such as environmental science, law and management. Taking this approach to structuring your degree helps you strengthen the connection between understanding issues at a theoretical level and applying the theory in practice.

The School's links with groups working in local government, education and the community provide a range of opportunities for students studying towards a MEnvSoc. You'll benefit from guest lectures, workshops and field trips that have had input from members of the community or professional contributors . The teaching staff themselves are active researchers with national or global reputations in their specialist areas. You'll have the chance to benefit from their knowledge and expertise. Working with the staff, you'll be able to take advantage of, and directly access, global research ideas and communities.

Once you've completed your MEnvSoc, you'll be able to choose a career path that uses your skills. You might be interested in moving into policy work, whether that be at the local, regional or national level. Perhaps instead you'd prefer to work with the Waitangi Tribunal or local iwis. The MEnvSoc's interdisciplinary environmental focus provides the skills and knowledge for graduates to be able to work in those areas.

English language test	Undergraduate, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas (all courses except those listed below)
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