Regulations for the Degree of Master of Security and Crime Science (MSCS)

1. The Personal Programmes of Study Regulations apply in these regulations.

Admission

2. Candidates for the Degree must have
   1. qualified for the award of a bachelors degree of the University of Waikato with a minimum average grade of B+ in their 300 level or higher majoring papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
   2. qualified for the award of a bachelors degree with honours or postgraduate diploma of the University of Waikato or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
   3. qualified for the award of the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation - Pre-Masters of the University of Waikato with a minimum average grade of B+ in their 300 level papers, and
   4. satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
3. In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit and relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the requirements of section 2 of these regulations may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

Requirements for the Degree

4. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree for candidates admitted under section 2(a) of these regulations is one calendar year or one and a half academic years. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree for candidates admitted under sections 2(b) of these regulations is one academic year.
5. Candidates must enrol in the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences and follow an approved programme of study.
6. Candidates admitted under section 2(a) of these regulations must gain 180 points at 500 level. Candidates admitted under sections 2(b) of these regulations must gain at least 120 points at 500 level.
7. Candidates must complete the compulsory papers prescribed in the Security and Crime Science Subject Regulations.
8. Candidates must include at least 45 points from List A: Advanced Study (except a 90 point or 120 point thesis), unless section 9 applies).
9. In exceptional circumstances (including appropriate work or academic experience), a candidate may be permitted to complete the degree with a 90 point thesis or a 120 point thesis.
10. Candidates admitted under sections 2(a) of these regulations may take up to 60 points from outside the field of the Degree. Candidates admitted under section 2(b) of these regulations may take up to 30 points from outside the field of the Degree.
11. If a candidate fails a paper or papers (worth not more than 30 points in total), they may repeat the paper or papers or take an alternative paper or papers with the same total points value on one occasion only. A candidate who fails a paper or papers worth more than 30 points in total will not be permitted to proceed with the Degree¹.

Award of Honours

12. The Degree may be awarded with
    1. First Class Honours, or
    2. Second Class Honours (first division), or
    3. Second Class Honours (second division), or
       or without honours.
13. Except with the approval of the Academic Board, the level of honours will be calculated on the basis of the grades for all of the papers completed for the Degree, including any failed paper.

Variations

14. The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division or delegated authority may vary or waive these regulations in individual cases.

Notes:

1. Candidates who are ineligible to continue with Degree may be eligible to complete a Postgraduate Diploma.