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 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

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

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
AUT alumni making waves
AUT graduate
Head and shoulders shot of Prime Minister Chrisotopher Luxon standing next to a NZ flag.
Super Typhoon, tropical storm, cyclone, hurricane, tornado, over ocean.
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News pattern
AUT alumni making waves
Storytelling for a better world
12 Mar, 2025
Meet AUT alumna Elina Ashimbayeva, a storyteller, advocate and human rights champion driven by curiosity, passion and a mission to create change.
AUT graduate
Uniting policy, business & people
12 Mar, 2025
Meet AUT alumnus Mohamud Mohamed, a visionary leader dedicated to diversity, resilience, and bridging gaps in policy, business and community.
Head and shoulders shot of Prime Minister Chrisotopher Luxon standing next to a NZ flag.
NZ's barriers to economic growth
28 Feb, 2025
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we face a series of political barriers to similar change, writes Kate Nicholls for The Conversation.
Super Typhoon, tropical storm, cyclone, hurricane, tornado, over ocean.
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”.
Notepad with Mental Flexibility written.
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.

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Contact details

Contact us online
Phone 0800 AUT AUT (0800 288 288)

School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Level 5, Te Āhuru WQ Building
35 – 39 Wakefield Street
Auckland City
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View academic staff

Briana Nezbah Edmo
Hana Malak
Karen Ishikawa
Bethany Delaveau (Willis)
Emily Beck