Study social sciences and public policy

Study social sciences and public policy, and develop a strong foundation for meaningful careers where you can really make a difference and help to make the world a better place for all. Our interactive classes make it easy for you to get to know your classmates, and you could collaborate with community or industry organisations on projects or during your workplace experience.

At AUT you’ll study society at many levels – from individuals, families and communities, governments and cultures through to our global system. You’ll become familiar with a range of disciplines including criminology and criminal justice, economics, human rights, psychology and social sciences.

Undergraduate programmes

Undergraduate study in social sciences and public policy will give you a solid grounding in your chosen area.

Bachelor's degree

Studying a bachelor’s degree? You can also study:

You can study social sciences and public policy subjects as part of many AUT bachelor’s degrees, not just the ones listed above. Choose either a major (a main subject you specialise in), a minor (a smaller subject) or an elective course:

Graduate certificates and diplomas

Postgraduate programmes

Postgraduate study in social sciences and public policy will build on your knowledge and expertise in your area of interest.

Certificates and diplomas

A certificate or diploma will give you an introduction to your chosen subject and can prepare you for further study.

Academic departments and disciplines

Research in social sciences and public policy

We believe in high-quality research that has impact, and have world-class researchers and research strengths across social sciences and public policy.

More about our research

International student exchange

Immerse yourself in another culture while you study and have the adventure of your life. Check out where you can go on exchange – and read some stories from returned AUT students.

Exchange for AUT students

News

Super Typhoon, tropical storm, cyclone, hurricane, tornado, over ocean.

Notepad with Mental Flexibility written.

An historical advertisement for WMH West's Big Minstrel Jubilee, showing two faces - a professional looking white man and the other with comic blackface.

COP 29: who pays for climate action?

14 Nov, 2024

This year’s United Nations climate summit, the Conference of the Parties (COP29), has been dubbed the “finance COP”.

Mental flexibility and vaccine attitude

06 Nov, 2024

Making decisions about our health – including whether or not to get vaccinated – appears to depend on more than just receiving the 'right' information.

Identify and challenge blackface

18 Oct, 2024

This Halloween is a good time to identify and challenge instances of blackface and cultural appropriation, Senior Lecturer Elba Ramirez says.

'Nature markets' exploitation risk

18 Oct, 2024

As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, nature markets pose risks as well as opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Jack and Jill can teach us about the CGT

30 Sep, 2024

In NZ, capital gains tax debates are like zombies, constantly getting killed off and coming back to life. The debate needs a broader definition of “fair”.

View all news