Master of Arts

Human Services

The term Human Services refers to the full range of organisations that provide support services to individuals, families and communities, including support in relation to business, education, health, housing, justice, policing and social welfare.

The Master of Arts – Human Services is designed to provide an advanced level qualification for human services personnel working in (or seeking work in) managerial and/or policy analysis positions.

The Master of Arts – Human Services provides an advanced body of knowledge and research regarding human services, including social policies relevant to human services, organisational and management issues as they relate to human services, and an understanding of the theoretical and research basis of the range of skills provided by human services practitioners.

WHAT THIS PROGRAMME COVERS

The first year of the programme consists of taught papers, while the second year comprises either a 120- point thesis, or a combination of a 60-point dissertation and a 60-point practicum (an applied site based research project within an approved organisation). The programme includes two papers or more on research methods. Students select from additional papers on assessment and intervention, individual and cultural factors in human services management, human resource management, social policy, theory and analysis of social policy, and electives from other masters level courses. The core papers will provide background knowledge on human services (both in terms of individual and social development) and an understanding of the policy context in which human services are delivered. A strong research component will be maintained and candidates will be expected to undertake a fieldwork investigation.

PAPAERS

• Advanced Operations Performance
  
• Advanced Strategic Management
  
• Conflict Resolution: Theories, Models, Concepts and Processes
  
• Critical Perspectives in Arts
  
• Development Theory and Practice
  
• Gender and Sexuality
  
• Human Services Organisations
  
• Individual and Cultural Factors in Human Services Practice
  
• Managing Human Relationships
  
• Policy Research and Evaluation
  
• Principles of Assessment and Intervention
  
• Programme Management
  
• Reading Paper
  
• Refugees and Displaced Persons
  
• Social Research Design and Analysis
  
• Tangata Pasifika: The New Peoples of the Pacific
  
• Te Rōpū Whakamatau – The Learning Organisation
  
  AND EITHER:
• Master of Arts Dissertation
• Site Based Research Project
  
  OR
• Master of Arts Thesis