Critical Diversity Studies
You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.
- 2 Years / Onsite
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jun, Oct
Overview
Critical Diversity Studies at Auckland Royal Academy examines how social identities — including race, gender, class, disability, sexuality, and indigeneity — shape individual experience and collective life in New Zealand and globally. Drawing on sociology, cultural studies, political philosophy, and Māori and Pacific scholarship, the programme develops graduates committed to understanding and challenging systemic inequalities, and equipped to contribute to more just and inclusive social institutions.
The programme fosters critical self-reflection alongside scholarly rigour, encouraging students to situate their own social positions within broader structures of power while developing the analytical tools to examine discrimination and exclusion in policy, media, education, and everyday life. Community engagement projects connect academic study with lived experience, ensuring that learning is grounded in the realities of New Zealand's diverse communities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Critical Diversity Studies pursue careers in community development, human rights advocacy, government policy, education, social work, research, public health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership. The programme equips graduates with both the theoretical grounding and practical skills to contribute meaningfully to efforts to build a more equitable New Zealand society.
Program Learning Outcomes
Apply intersectional analysis to examine how overlapping social identities and structures of power shape inequality, privilege, and belonging in New Zealand institutions, policies, and cultural life.
Engage critically with Māori and Pacific theoretical frameworks and concepts of tino rangatiratanga, mana, and cultural safety, applying these perspectives to diversity, equity, and inclusion research and practice.
Design and implement community-based research or advocacy projects that address real dimensions of social inequality, demonstrating ethical research practice, cultural competence, and a commitment to social justice outcomes.
Programme
| Semester 1 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Diversity Studies | 4 | SOSC 101 |
| Foundations & Theory | 4 | SOSC 110 |
| Research Methods | 3 | SOSC 120 |
| Semester 2 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Diversity Studies I | 4 | SOSC 201 |
| Professional Practice | 3 | SOSC 210 |
| Industry Context NZ | 4 | SOSC 220 |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Diversity Studies II | 4 | SOSC 301 |
| Critical Perspectives | 3 | SOSC 310 |
| Ethics & Standards | 3 | SOSC 320 |
| Semester 4 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diversity Studies | 4 | SOSC 401 |
| Specialisation Elective | 3 | SOSC 410 |
| Diversity Studies Capstone Project | 4 | SOSC 490 |
| Total for the entire period of study | 11 |
Contact us
3/60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.