Divisions, Faculties and Schools of Studies

The University’s academic units comprises the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences; Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science; Division of Education; Division of Management; Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies; and the University of Waikato College.

The division incorporates Te Kura Toi the School of Arts, Te Kura Whatu Oho Mauri the School of Psychology, Te Kura Aronui the School of Social Sciences and Te Piringa the Faculty of Law, as well as two research institutes, Te Ngira National Institute for Population Research and Te Puna Haumaru The New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science. Programmes of study are informed by high level research expertise across the Division and our unique blend of disciplines enables students to engage with research leaders and practitioners on issues of local and global importance.

Our graduates are flexible and creative thinkers, self-directed and highly organised, excellent communicators and team workers, and innovators for change. Programmes incorporate explicit path-ways into the workforce as well as to higher degrees. We offer a wide range of qualifications from undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees through to masters and doctorate degrees. Academic excellence is the cornerstone of teaching and learning in programmes that develop students’ essential skills and expertise.

Te Kura Toi School of Arts provides teaching and research focused on understanding the human condition, the unique ways we experience the world, and the different forms of culture manifested from our ingenuity, imagination, resourcefulness and intellectual creativity. Research covers areas including languages and linguistics, global studies, music, dance, theatre, screen, media and creative technologies.

Te Kura Whatu Oho Mauri School of Psychology teaches across a wide range of psychology paths, from neuroscience to social psychology, with specialist graduate pathways including a professional qualification in clinical psychology. Research in the school has a strong and diverse profile, extending across areas of the discipline such as, Kaupapa Māori, behavioural, community, clinical and forensic psychology.

Te Kura Aronui School of Social Sciences actively promotes the University's core motto 'For the People'. Through a wide range of subjects and qualifications from undergraduate to postgraduate level, social sciences encourage critical thinking and the analysis of how individuals and groups in society relate to each other. The School’s researchers cover disciplines including anthropology, criminology, geography, environmental planning, history, philosophy, political science, social and public policy, and sociology.

Te Piringa Faculty of Law’s founding goals of professionalism, biculturalism, and the study of law in context. The Faculty offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and a BA in Law, two LLM programmes, Diploma in Law, MPhil, PhD, SJD, Magister Juris and LLD degrees, and, in conjunction with the Waikato Management School, the Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution. The Faculty's research makes a significant and lasting contribution to the understanding and development of law internationally and nationally across areas from Māori and indigenous research to international and environmental law.

Te Ngira Institute for Population Research is the Aotearoa New Zealand national institute of demographic and population-focused research. It undertakes research that informs choices and responses to the demographic, social and economic interactions that are shaping the future, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in population studies.

Te Puna Haumaru The New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science engages in research that aims to prevent and reduce crime, and increase our security and safety. We achieve these aims by bringing together disciplines from across the university, including computer science, data analytics, law, Māori and indigenous studies, political science, psychology and social policy. We are a partner in the Evidence-Based Policing Centre, and work with a variety of other agencies. We offer undergraduate papers in Security and Crime Science.

The Division incorporates four schools (Health, Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Science), as well as two research institutes, The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) and Te Ipu o te Mahara - The Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Te Huataki Waiora School of Health provides qualifications that offer students who are passionate about health, hauora and wellbeing the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to enhance the lives of individuals and communities. Students have the opportunity to explore new ideas and ways of looking at issues that impact health, wellbeing and performance outcomes, which will prepare them to move into a wide range of employment opportunities. We work closely with partners across the community — such as local DHBs, Sport NZ and regional sports trusts, iwi, community health organisations, and high performance sport — to ensure we are at the forefront of innovation in the health, human performance, and sports sectors. These collaborative partnerships provide both our students with exciting opportunities to bring the latest theories and practices to life.

Within this context of Te Huataki Waiora Nursing Programmes are accredited by the New Zealand Nursing Council. They provide a responsive and contemporary approach to professional qualifications that lead to registration as a nurse, postgraduate and advanced specialty qualifications and doctoral research. These programmes reflect the priorities of the Waikato and Midland Region incorporating bicultural principles, mental health, lifespan and the care continuum.

Te Kura Mata-Ao School of Engineering offers the full range of professional engineering programmes from the traditional disciplines of Civil, Mechanical, Chemical and Biological, Electrical and Electronic¹, and Materials and Process Engineering, to the developing areas of Software, Mechatronics¹, and Environmental Engineering. Undergraduate programmes are available in the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)), the Diploma in Engineering Management, and Certificate in Engineering Professional Practice. Six of the programmes are fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand and the Washington Accord.
Graduate degrees, which may be awarded with Honours, include Master of Engineering and Master of Engineering Practice. 
Te Kura Mata-Aho also provides strong research-led education, hosting six world-class research groups in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (WaiCAMM); Robotics, Automation & Sensing (WaiRAS); Resilient Infrastructure & Sustainable Construction (WaiRISC); Energy System Integration (ESI); Cold-formed Steel Structures Group and Water & Resilience, with combined external funding of over $40 million.

Notes:

¹Mechatronics and Electrical and Electronic received provisional accreditation in 2023.

Rorohiko me ngā Pūtaiao Pāngarau School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences provides a stimulating environment of quality teaching programmes and world-class research, producing graduates well-matched for the challenges of the contemporary and future workplace.

The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences offers qualifications in design, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, and data analytics. At undergraduate level, the degrees available are the Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, and the Bachelor of Design. Students interested in software engineering can study towards a four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering.

Advanced degrees offered within the School include the Bachelor of Science with Honours, Bachelor of Design with Honours, Master of Science, Master of Science (Research), Master of Design, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Information Technology, and the PhD.

Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science is one of New Zealand’s leading Science faculties, offering a broad range of science disciplines with a unifying commitment to te taumata pūtaiao or the pursuit of outstanding science. Across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, our students and staff have access to unique natural environments and world-class facilities.

Undergraduate degrees are the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Science (Technology). Both may be awarded with Honours. Graduate degrees include the Master of Science and Master of Science (Research). Doctoral study and research lead to the Doctor of Philosophy.

The School of Science's research is driven by the pursuit of outstanding science that has relevance in the real world. Our researchers are genuinely world-class and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, Aotearoa, and the world. Our research falls within five overarching themes: Applied Climate Change; Connected Land, Water, and Life; Hazards and Extreme Environments; Science for Innovation, and Mātauranga Māori.

The School of Science hosts the Environmental Research Institute, the Marine Field Station in Tauranga, the Radiocarbon Dating Lab, and the International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research.

The School of Science provides a range of analytical and consultancy services, including Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography, Particle Size Analysis, Water and Soil Analysis, Genetic Analysis, Electrofishing, Research Vessels and much more.

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education provides degree programmes in teacher education, social sciences in education, educational leadership, disability and inclusion, counselling, human development, digital learning and education and society. It distinguishes itself among other education schools through its tradition and reputation for innovation, leadership and research.

The School was the first teachers’ college of education in New Zealand to merge with a university, the first to offer a teacher education programme online, and the first to offer a masters degree in initial teacher education.

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education offers a portfolio of qualifications at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Three- and four-year degree programmes in teacher education, along with one-year graduate and postgraduate diploma programmes in teacher education, prepare competent, knowledgeable and critically reflective beginning teachers. These programmes have Teaching Council New Zealand approval, enabling graduates to register as teachers in New Zealand. A range of specialist postgraduate certificates, diplomas and masters degrees provide qualified teachers with programmes that are practice-related and designed for professionals. The School also offers a Bachelor of Social Sciences with majors in Digital Learning, Education and Society and Human Development involving critical inquiry into the theories and practices of lifelong education and the study of human development across the life span. Counsellor Education programmes take a distinctive orientation emphasising what are often called narrative approaches in counselling and therapy. The Master of Counselling is approved by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.

The Division has a strong commitment to research-informed practice with three institutes: Poutama Pounamu, Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research (WMIER) and Te Whai Toi Tangata Institute of Professional Learning (IPL); and four research centres: the Early Years Research Centre (EYRC), the Centre for Educational Leadership Research (CELR), the Centre for Global Studies in Education (CGSE); and the Technology, Environmental, Mathematics, and Science Education Research Centre (TEMS).

Te Raupapa Waikato Management School is respected nationally and internationally for its influential practice, practical programmes, relevant research and focus on connecting students with businesses. The School's purpose is to empower people to grow thriving businesses, a thriving society, and a thriving world, by growing knowledge, capability and character. Strong international relationships mean that teaching and research reflect global best business practice, while an engaged alumni and close links with the business community expose students to real-world challenges and employment opportunities. Waikato Management School students graduate with the essential business skills and knowledge to become private and public sector leaders. They think critically, carefully and creatively, and act responsibly and ethically.

The School is a member of an elite group of business schools that have earned "Triple Crown" status - the leading international acknowledgment of excellence in business education, and testament to the quality of the qualifications the School offers. It is accredited by AACSB International (the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the world's longest established assessor of business education, EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) and AMBA (The Association of MBAs). Only 1% of the world's business schools have met the strict standards of all three accreditation bodies and earned this distinction of excellence.

Waikato Management School offers a wide range of business education at all levels of study.

Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies teaches Māori and Indigenous Studies, Te Reo Māori, and Pacific and Indigenous Studies. These subjects can be taken as a major or minor within a BA, BSocSc or BCC, or for a diploma or certificate. The Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi is a one-year full-time Māori language immersion programme taught in a whānau-orientated environment. At the postgraduate level, the Faculty offers the Bachelor of Arts with Honours, Master of Arts, Master of Social Sciences, MPhil, PhD, and a number of graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas.

The Faculty is world-renowned for its strength in research and teaching. Our academics have national and international academic profiles; several have won teaching and research awards, one services on the Waitangi Tribunal, many have won prestigious research funding, and in 2019 we hosted the largest Indigenous Studies conference in the world. Students can benefit from this expertise by pursuing research at masters and doctoral levels with us. A number of Faculty scholarships are available for all levels of study, including a scholarship to study overseas for a trimester.

University of Waikato College

The University of Waikato College delivers the University's international pre-masters and international diploma programmes, foundation and bridging programmes, English language programmes for students with English as an additional language, and study tours for international individuals and groups. The College has a key role in contributing to the distinctiveness, excellence and international connectedness of the University.

Certificate of Attainment in Academic English

The Certificate of Attainment in English Language is a full-time course of 23 hours per week for 10 weeks, with one intensive block of 30 hours per week for 8 weeks. There are a number of intakes each year. Students are placed according to a recent English Language test result (such as IELTS) in an appropriate level from Intermediate to Advanced. On successful completion of the course, students receive a University of Waikato Certificate of Attainment in Academic English. All students study a core programme that helps students improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Higher level classes focus on skills needed for successful university study such as academic writing, listening and note-taking, academic reading, and oral presentation skills. Attaining specific grades in the upper levels of the programme gives students the English language requirement to enter foundation studies, the international and premasters diplomas, and University undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

Certificate of Attainment in English Language

The Certificate of Attainment in English Language is a full-time course of 23 hours per week for 10 weeks. There are a number of intakes each year. Students are placed according to a recent English Language test result (such as IELTS) in an appropriate level from Elementary to Pre- Intermediate. On successful completion of the course, students receive a University of Waikato Certificate of Attainment in English Language. All students study a core programme that helps students improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Attaining the programme gives students the English language entry requirement to enter the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

General English

General English is a course designed for students to improve their everyday English and is suitable for students preparing to enter the Academic English programme. The programme includes core language skills and vocabulary, fluency and accuracy in listening, speaking, reading and writing. General English is a full-time programme of 23 hours per week or part-time for 15 hours per week. Students can start most Mondays (except New Zealand public holidays) and study for 3 weeks to 6 months.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

International Study Groups

With over 25 years of experience, the University of Waikato College is a leader in the field of providing unique and specialist English language programmes for international students. Some groups join an existing English language programme, while some have a tailor-made English language learning experience based on their individual requirements. Groups are able to take part in extracurricular activities, weekend excursions and hear from guest speakers.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies

The Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies is a full-time one or two trimester programme for international students who do not meet the academic entry requirements for undergraduate study at a New Zealand university. Students will learn the skills neccessary for successful tertiary study within New Zealand, with compulsory English language and elective papers across a range of study areas. On campus classes include New Zealand students to encourage international students to improve their English and make New Zealand friends.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

Certificate of University Preparation

The Certificate of University Preparation programme is a full-time one-trimester programme for New Zealand domestic students who do not meet the entry requirements for study at a university, or who need additional academic preparation. Students will be introduced to an adult learning environment including lectures, tutorials and workshops. The Certificate of University Preparation is an academically approved qualification that covers academic skills and capabilities, and introduces students to their discipline subjects through elective papers.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

International Diploma (Business) and International Diploma (Computer Science)

The International Diplomas provide pathways for international students into the second year of some degrees. The International Diploma (Business) consists of the first year of the Bachelor of Business, with additional supporting papers in academic English and academic study skills. The International Diploma (Computer Science) provides a similar preparation that leads to the Bachelor of Science in two computing majors or the Bachelor of Computer Science.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation (Pre-masters)

This pre-masters programme prepares international students for postgraduate studies at the University of Waikato, providing entry into several masters programmes in the Waikato Management School, the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences, and the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science.
For more information, see University of Waikato College website.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Office

The College hosts one of the largest IELTS testing centres in New Zealand. IELTS is designed to assess the English language proficiency of candidates who need to study or work in English.

For more information about IELTS, visit:

• IELTS Testing
• IELTS website