Science in Society

Studying Science in Society at undergraduate or postgraduate level can lead to fascinating roles in a range of sectors.

Science in Society can be studied as a minor that complements a wide range of other subjects—not only science and engineering but the humanities and social sciences, education, law and policy, and design, or at the Master’s level. Graduates take up the wide range of opportunities their main degree subject leads them, with a strong complement of critical and creative thinking, research abilities, and verbal and written communication skills. They have a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, economics, and ethics of science and technology, including understanding and communicating concepts relating to mātauranga Māori. For example, graduates are poised to understand how social inequities can be reproduced through AI, how conservation initiatives also impact our cultural worlds, and how new genetic technologies change how we understand our bodies and health.

Roles and  career pathways

Knowledge of how scientific concepts and processes interact with broader social systems can lead to careers in areas such as policy, journalism, communications, teaching, or public relations. Some bring skills to their roles that they may have developed through study or their own interests and talents such as design, graphic storytelling, and multimedia.


Undergraduates who studied Science in Society have gone on to work as:

  • policy advisers
  • research assistants
  • communications advisers
  • project coordinators
  • tutors
  • creative copywriters

Completing a Master of Science in Society, Master of Science or Master of Communication can lead to a wider range of roles such as policy analyst, advisor, tertiary teacher or researcher, and communications specialist in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Graduate career stories

Kelly Body at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Kelly Body

Kelly combined experience in instructional design and postgraduate study in Science in Society to create and deliver education programmes in te taiao.

Where Science in Society graduates work

Graduates who have studied Science in Society as part of their undergraduate degree or have a postgraduate Science in Society qualification can work in government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), independent research organizations, or at Crown Research Institutes such as GNS or NIWA. Graduates also work for iwi organisations, as well as universities, media, and public relations organisations and local bodies such as regional councils.


Recent graduates have worked for organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Volunteering, summer roles or internships with not-for-profit organisations in areas such as science education, conservation, or social justice and climate campaigns can help gain useful experience. Tutoring students in the sciences can also help develop an understanding of learning processes, especially if you are interested in working in science education.

As a new graduate, any entry roles where you can develop solid administrative, business, or organisational skills are a helpful starting point for all career pathways.