Diploma in Population Studies
Population problems are among the most serious challenges we face for the 21st Century. Population issues have implications for the environment, employment, families, health, urbanisation, migration, security in old age and refugee movements. It is vital that research develops integrated approaches to these issues, and policy makers and planners pay serious attention to population trends, their causes and effects.
At Waikato, our Population Studies programme takes a particular look at trends in New Zealand and the broader South Pacific region. You will learn about, and be involved in, research into M?ori demography, population health, family structures and formation, fertility, the labour force and employment relating to New Zealand, as well as work on India, Africa, Europe, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific. You will become familiar with themes such as mortality, social policy, fertility, migration, families and households, labour force and income, and will understand the contrasting population problems faced by developed and developing countries.
Population Studies are taught by Te Ngira Institute for Population Research, which is a research institute based in the University's School of Social Sciences. It is New Zealand's sole national institute of demographic and population-focused research, and the only such unit to generate and coordinate New Zealand research in population studies.
The institute's researchers are internationally and locally recognised. Your study will provide unique insights into how population studies research is being used to shape New Zealand's future, an understanding you can carry with you into careers in the health, finance, environmental and social science sectors
Campus Information
Hamilton campus
Our main campus is located in the vibrant, multicultural city of Hamilton, with outdoor activities, shopping malls and eateries only a short drive away. On campus, you’ll find a new state-of-the-art Student Centre, sporting facilities, cafes and eateries, car parking, subsidised bus services and more.
Intakes
- March
- July
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
We can help you with career planning, developing your CV and cover letters, interview skills, enhancing your employability skills, volunteering and refining your personal brand. The services can connect you with employers through Career Fairs, employer campus visits and promotion of graduate opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Sustainability advisor
Anthropologist
Biodiversity Management
Climate action specialist
Community educator
Data analyst
Ecologist
Economist
Environmental Scientist
Foreign Affairs Advisor
Media advisor
Policy Analyst
Political Scientist
Politician
Public relations expert
Planner
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Achieve an average of 75% over the best four academic subjects in the Indian School Certificate (ISC), or the All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSC), and selected state boards: Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal with a minimum of 60% in English, or:An average of 80% over the best four academic subjects in all other state boards with Minimum of 65% in English.
English language entry requirements
To provide flexibility to students due to COVID-19 who have been affected by the closure of testing centres, the University of Waikato will accept the following alternative tests for 2023 intakes. Please note this policy is subject to review.
IELTS Indicator (this is an online version of the regular IELTS test)
TOEFL iBT Home (Plus) (this is an online version of the regular TOEFL test)
Duolingo English Test (DET) with the following scores:
DET score of 95 for pre-degree programmes (IELTS 5.5 equivalent)
DET score of 105 for undergraduate/graduate programmes (excluding those listed below)
DET score of 120 for postgraduate programmes (excluding doctoral programmes)
English language test
Undergraduate, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas (all courses except those listed below)
IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
iBT (internet-based) TOEFL
80 with a score of 21 in writing
iBT (home-based) TOEFL
80 with a score of 21 in writing
C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) 169 and no bands below 162
Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 33-37 score per skill
NCUK English for Academic Purposes Minimum C grade average with no lower than D in all components. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
Level 4 (Academic)
Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) Minimum score of 54
Pearson PTE Academic
Overall score of 46 with no Band less than 36
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
II with distinction in all four components
University of Waikato College
Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
27040 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A

