Extend your sociological expertise through advanced study, original research and critical inquiry, helping to shape understanding, inform policy and deepen insight into society.
Why study postgraduate Sociology?
If you are interested in moving beyond foundational knowledge and stepping into advanced, specialist-level study, postgraduate Sociology allows you to deepen your expertise through complex theory, sophisticated research methods and critical engagement with contemporary social issues such as inequality, power, identity, governance, technology and environmental change.
You will work closely with leading researchers, pursue independent questions and contribute meaningful new knowledge to the field. This level of study develops the depth, rigour and research capability needed for careers in policy, academic research, social planning, leadership, consultancy and further doctoral study.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in Sociology opens doors to meaningful and varied career paths. You gain strong analytical, research and communication skills that employers value. Possible career pathways include:
- Government and public policy roles
- Social research and data analysis
- Community organisations and non-profit sector work
- Public health, social services and advocacy
- Academia and higher-level research
What it’s like to study at this level
At Otago, postgraduate Sociology combines rigorous theory with hands-on research and collaboration. You will engage with both classical and contemporary social theories while working with supervisors on topics as diverse as inequality, labour, environment, gender and social movements.
You may design and carry out research projects, attend an annual postgraduate symposium where you share findings and get feedback, and work alongside a community of passionate scholars.
This is for you if ...
You will need a strong background in Sociology or a closely related field and an interest in research-led enquiry. You will thrive in postgraduate Sociology if you are motivated to pursue complex questions, undertake independent research and contribute original insight into how social structures, power and institutions shape contemporary life. A capacity for critical analysis, theoretical engagement and sustained scholarly work is essential.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Sociology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Prepare to lead social change
Postgraduate study in Sociology equips you with advanced skills that are directly relevant to complex, real-world environments. Through applied research, critical analysis and focused inquiry, you will gain the expertise needed to work confidently across policy development, social research, community organisations, government, advocacy, planning, education and consultancy.
You will be challenged to think strategically, work with data and ideas at a sophisticated level, and produce work that can inform decision-making, shape programmes and influence outcomes. This is an ideal pathway for those who want their thinking, research and insight to have a practical impact in the world around them.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
A coursework degree with an optional research dissertation component, usually completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study, or part-time over a longer period
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
SOCI 490 Dissertation Two further 400-level SOCI papers, one of which may be replaced with GEND 401 |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Sociology is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Dissertation / Studio Project Requirements |
|---|
| SOCI 590 Research Dissertation |
| Two 500-level HUMS papers (worth 60 points) |
| 400-level SOCI papers worth 60 points |
| Papers-Only Requirements |
| Two 500-level HUMS papers (worth 60 points) |
| 400-level SOCI papers worth 120 points |
| Note: Students are able to take one of HUMS 501-503 not already taken as an optional paper in this pathway. |
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Sociology or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Sociology must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Sociology prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SOCI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI101 | 2026, 2027 | Sociology of New Zealand Society | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SOCI102 | 2026, 2027 | Cultural and Social Identities | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SOCI201 | 2026, 2027 | Sociological Research in Practice | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SOCI202 | 2026, 2027 | Big Ideas in Sociology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| SOCI203 | 2026, 2027 | Young People and Society | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SOCI204 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI205 | 2026, 2027 | Social Inequality | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SOCI207 | 2026, 2027 | Families and Society | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SOCI208 | 2026, 2027 | Environmental Sociology | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI209 | 2026, 2027 | Health and Society | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI211 | 2026, 2027 | Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice | 18 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| SOCI213 | 2026, 2027 | Concepts of the Self | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI301 | 2026, 2027 | Telling Sociological Stories | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI302 | 2026, 2027 | Theories of Social Power | 18 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| SOCI304 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic: Exploring Neurodisability in Health, Welfare and Justice Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| SOCI305 | 2026, 2027 | Family Demography | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SOCI306 | 2026, 2027 | Public Sociology | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI307 | 2026, 2027 | Exploring Neurodisability in Health, Welfare and Justice Systems | 18 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| SOCI308 | 2027 | Abolition in the 21st Century | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SOCI309 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 2 | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI310 | 2026, 2027 | Social Movements and Popular Protest | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SOCI313 | 2026, 2027 | The Subject in Postmodern Society | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI319 | 2026, 2027 | The Global Politics of Food | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI401 | 2026, 2027 | Qualitative Research Ethics | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI402 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Sociological Theory | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| SOCI403 | 2026, 2027 | Micro-Sociology | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI404 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI409 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic in Sociology | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| SOCI410 | 2026, 2027 | Alternative Futures | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| SOCI490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 11 June 2027), 2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 July 2028) |
| SOCI590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (17 July 2026 - 9 July 2027), 1st Non standard period (5 March 2027 - 25 February 2028), 2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 July 2028) |
Contacts
Email sgsc@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/sociology
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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