History – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Take your study of history to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History). Enhance your research skills through an investigation of a time or theme in history that interests you.

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Not open to international students

Specialise in History for your Postgraduate Diploma in Arts at Massey

Understand the present by studying the past

History is a subject as large as our recorded past. Our cultural heritage, literature, arts, religions, politics, economics, social behaviours, buildings and landscapes all derive from past influences.

Studying history gives you an understanding of where we have been and how the world has changed. You’ll get an appreciation of how people have faced challenges at different times, with the benefit of hindsight.

Research your particular interest

With a PGDipArts (History) you can investigate a particular issue in great depth. You could focus on New Zealand and the Pacific, or study a particular era, such as the medieval period, or the 20th century. You could look at a theme, such as politics, sport or social history, or just pick what takes your fancy. The courses you’ll complete will complement your focus on your chosen research area by helping you develop your research skills and quickly master the research process.

Relevant to the past, present and future of New Zealand

Through history, we can understand our past, explain our present and be better equipped to predict the future. At Massey, our history qualification is focused on New Zealand history and New Zealand’s place in the world. We have the strongest focus on New Zealand history of any university in the world and New Zealand themes are central to our academics’ research. This combination means you will graduate ready to shape the future of New Zealand.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in History is a good fit if you:

  • are interested in progressing towards a thesis for your Master of Arts (History)
  • wish to stay relevant to current issues in history
  • want to investigate a particular aspect of history.

Planning information

Completing an endorsement is compulsory. A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) requires 120 credits.

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Subject courses

Course code: 148720 Advanced Historiography 30 credits

An examination of the relationship between ideas about the nature and meaning of history and the writing of history. The course concentrates on groups of historians who have propounded a philosophy of history and have been practitioners of the historian's art.

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Course code: 148730 Advanced Historical Methodology 30 credits

A study of the theory and practice of historical research methodology.

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Course code: 148799 Research Report (60) 60 credits

A supervised and guided independent study.

View full course details

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) you will have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent.

You will need to have achieved a grade average in your bachelor degree that demonstrates an adequate level of preparation for the postgraduate qualification. This normally means that a B- grade average or above is required.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

With a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) you can choose from a wide range of careers including:

  • archiving
  • editing
  • journalism
  • policy analysis
  • teaching
  • research management
  • administration.

Related study options