Master of Science in Society

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.

Programme requirements

For this programme you'll need to:

Complete 180 points

Include four courses in Part 1:

- SCIS 410

- SCIS 412

- Both SCIS 411 and SCIS 414

- Or, one of SCIS 411 or SCIS 414, and one further 400- or 500-level course approved by the programme director

Include courses worth 120 points in Part 2:

- SCIS 588

- SCIS 589

- One of the following:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)

NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)