Graduate Diploma in Sociology

Program available at Hamilton and Tauranga Campus

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different from your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

A graduate diploma is a more in-depth version of a graduate certificate, is studied at the undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one year (two semesters) of full-time study, or in some cases, extended part-time study.

You'll explore how people organize and form groups, form larger social structures, and how societies evolve over time. As a budding sociologist, you'll be challenged to assume little in the hopes of clearing the way for new conclusions.

You'll ask questions like how different groups view social reality and why certain views become accepted within groups over time. You'll dissect the interwoven nature and influence of parents, peers, elders, teachers and the media on society. We'll also challenge you to consider why some societies are war-torn while others remain peaceful – why some behavior is acceptable while others are less desirable. You'll look for solutions and debate how societies change.