Master of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics

at The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus New Zealand

Geography matters because it is about basic human relationships - between people and the environment, and between people and other people. Ranked among the top geography program in the world, the Geography program at Waikato is the only solely human geography program in New Zealand.

Geography at Waikato goes beyond the classroom and opens you up to numerous career opportunities. Upon graduation, our students pursue careers in urban and regional planning, regional economic development, travel and tourism development, environmental consultancy, as well as the property and housing industry and local government.

Chemical and Biological Engineering uses process engineering, science and maths principles to transform chemical and biological materials into high value products and services, in a safe and cost-effective way.

As a chemical or biological engineer, you could play a vital role in the creation and production of new medicines, nutritious foods, novel materials, new energy sources, better waste treatment methods and a sustainable global future.

Research into bioprocess engineering is a major part of the wider Chemical and Biological Engineering program at the University of Waikato. Current research being carried out by the University's bioprocess engineering research group includes fermentation of functional foods, production of high value pharmaceuticals, and bioconversion of food waste into value-added chemicals. This research work involves strong industrial collaborations across a wide range of sectors, especially in food, agriculture and energy.

Mechanical engineering uses mechanics and energy principles to design, research, develop and manufacture tools, engines, motors and other devices.  At the University of Waikato we align what you learn with what industry requires.

Our Mechanical Engineering program is strongly based on project-based learning.  It combines mechanical engineering, science and mathematics papers to give you a good understanding of engineering theory and practice.

You will study topics such as mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis and electricity.  In your second and third years you can choose papers to focus on either a Mechatronics Stream or a Manufacturing and Energy Stream.

An important part of the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Waikato has supported work placements in relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while further exploring the field of Mechanical Engineering you could choose for your career.

The Political Science program will ask you why some crises lead to armed conflict while others resolve peacefully - why democracy thrives in some countries while it dies in others. We challenge you to learn lessons from international politics and to consider political solutions to international crises. We push you to consider tough questions like those involving equality and freedom - must one be sacrificed for the other to flourish?

Political Science is a highly flexible program and will give you job opportunities from local to national government, media, education, industry, business, labour organisations and social services. We also offer minors in Public Policy and in International Relations and Security Studies which further allows you to investigate relevant contemporary issues.

In studying Ecology and Biodiversity you’ll learn about the distribution, abundance, and biology of organisms and their role in New Zealand’s most important ecosystems.

You’ll gain knowledge of ecological and biological theory, and the practical skills for field identification, surveying, and experimentation with plants, animals and microbes across a broad range of ecosystems. You’ll gain understanding of the principles of biological classification and be able to name and classify common organisms found in New Zealand ecosystems.

Your skills will be gained through a combination of hands on laboratory experience, practical field courses, and teaching from leading ecologists and biologists.

The Human Performance Science major represents a distinctive approach to sport and exercise science. It is based on four pillars; strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, biomechanics and injury prevention, and psychology. The science of human performance extends beyond high performance sport and includes links to the general population, movement-related professions, exercise, nutrition and physical health.

This major provides an opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of sport and exercise science, with the scope to follow one of the pillars at a higher level.

In the Human Performance Science major you will also benefit from the established relationships the University has with professional sport franchises, such as Magic Netball and Chiefs Rugby. Extending beyond high performance sport, this major includes links to the general population, movement-related professions, exercise, nutrition and physical health, providing career opportunities across the breadth of sport, physical activity and physical health professions. 

In a small country like New Zealand, successful agribusiness relies on understanding how to manage complex value chains within competitive global markets. Studying Agribusiness at Waikato University puts you in the heartland of New Zealand's leading agriculture-based export industries, learning from experts.

Screen and Media Studies at Waikato makes sure you keep pace with new tools and platforms for the rapidly evolving media industry. You'll get high-quality learning experiences with up-to-date resources in our top 250 QS-rated program.

During your studies, you'll gain knowledge and learn transferable media skills that can be applied to future technical, social or experiential advancements. It is an area of study for critical, creative and innovative minds and attracts those who wish to not only understand concepts and ideas but also bring them to life. Knowledge is gained from study and hands-on experience writing media content, constructing films, exploiting and adapting media technologies, or designing games.

We expect our students to take their work beyond the classroom and enter competitions and festivals for more experience and greater exposure. Our students have been finalists in film festivals nationally and internationally, contributed specialised skills to feature-length film productions and work for, or run, their own media companies.

Our Screen and Media Studies major for the Bachelor of Arts has the staff expertise and resources to help you launch your career and inspire you to be an innovator in New Zealand and abroad.

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.

Studying Social Policy involves examining the issues that affect people and society. It analyses the policies and practices of politicians, public servants, governments and non-governmental agencies, and how they impact on communities and wider society. It takes a broad and encompassing approach, because social policy impacts on all parts of everyday life – from health and education to families, transport and housing, plus the systems and institutions that support them.

Your Social Policy studies at Waikato will cover why and how societies respond to problems such as poverty and unemployment. You'll take part in popular and recurring social policy debates, and gain an in-depth understanding of why social problems arise. You'll investigate and evaluate different ways of responding to those problems.