Classical Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts

Follow your passion for classical studies. Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in classical studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.

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

Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Note: Not all courses are available in any given year

Specialise in Classical Studies for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey

A Massey Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) is a way for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in classical studies.

Understand the present by studying the past

Classical studies trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity and our modern civilisation.

The Greeks and Romans have had a profound and lasting influence on world culture through their language and philosophy. As well as science, medicine, law, political institutions, art and architecture. They also created and developed almost every genre of Western literature.

In the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) you’ll examine important issues that arise from this heritage. You’ll also investigate the way the ancient world reacted to intellectual and physical challenges. Many of which still confront us today.

Follow your passions

Classical studies is interdisciplinary. You can study what you enjoy, and focus on subject areas that spark your interest. You can explore the classical world from many angles: literature, history, art, mythology, religion or war. Even love and sexuality.

You’ll acquire and develop a sought-after range of skills. Our evidence for the ancient world is challenging. It’s sometimes fragmentary, sometimes obscure, often biased or distorted. At Massey, you’ll make sense of it through argument and interpretation.

World-class learning

Massey offers passionate and friendly lecturers. It also offers a world-class distance-learning programme and multimedia learning materials.

Further study

If you successfully complete your Graduate Diploma in Arts, you could go on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts or a Master of Arts.

A Graduate Diploma in Arts in Classical Studies is a good fit if you:

  • already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
  • want to develop your interest in classical studies
  • are considering postgraduate classical studies.

Planning information

If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in one year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.

Not all courses are available in any one year.

100-level prerequisites

When you are granted entry to the qualification, you are not required to pass any 100-level prerequisite course/s for the specialisation. You may need to apply for 200-level courses using the Special Request function in Course Enrolment in your student portal if your previous study was not completed at Massey. If you plan to take any electives in subjects such as Languages, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics, you will need to meet the 100-level prerequisite requirements.

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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 be 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: 201201 The Pursuit of Happiness in the Classical World 15 credits

This course explores views of happiness in the ancient Greek and Roman world from Homer to Marcus Aurelius.

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Course code: 201211 Love and Sexuality in Ancient Greece 15 credits

This course offers a systematic study of ancient Greek attitudes and practices relating to love and sexuality as reflected in history, literature, art, and philosophy, and against the background of the family and society at large.

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Course code: 201216 The Trojan War 15 credits

A comparative examination of the Trojan War in Greek and Roman literature.

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Course code: 201218 Greek and Roman Religion 15 credits

A study of the religion of the Greeks and Romans, approached through both literary and archaeological sources. The course focuses on cult practices and their impacts on the societies of the time.

Restrictions: 201318

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Course code: 201219 Greek Art and Society 15 credits

A survey of techniques, developments and achievements in Greek architecture, sculpture, wall- and vase-painting, set in their archaeological and social contexts. The period covered is from the Bronze Age through to Late Classical times.

Restrictions: 201319

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Course code: 201231 Leaders and Leadership in the Classical World 15 credits

A study of leadership in the Classical world from the point of view of the leaders themselves and from those they led.

Restrictions: 201316

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Choose at least 60 credits from
Course code: 201313 Greek Tragedy, Then and Now 15 credits

This course examines ancient Greek tragedy in translation. It looks at the transformation of myth into tragedy in the fifth century BCE and reflects on why these classical dramas remain popular today.

Restrictions: 201213

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Course code: 201314 Imperial Rome 15 credits

A study of the first 200 years of Roman imperial rule, from the time of Augustus to the death of Marcus Aurelius.

Restrictions: 201214

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Course code: 201317 Ancient Multiculturalism: Egypt, Greece and Rome 15 credits

The study of cultural exchange between the ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Jewish civilizations over the thousand years of classical antiquity, focusing on interactions in literature, art, religion, philosophy, economy, and politics.

Restrictions: 201230

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Course code: 201318 Greek and Roman Religion 15 credits

A study of the religion of the Greeks and Romans, approached through both literary and archaeological sources. The course focuses on cult practices and their impacts on the societies of the time.

Restrictions: 201218

View full course details
Course code: 201320 Roman Art and Society 15 credits

A detailed survey of techniques, developments and achievements in Hellenistic and Roman architecture, painting, mosaics and sculpture, set in their archaeological and social contexts. The period covered is from the Hellenistic Age through the Republic down to the Late Empire.

Restrictions: 201220

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Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

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.

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

English language skills

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

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

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

The study of classics fosters critical thinking, research skills and organisational techniques, together with a broader understanding of our culture. These flexible skills can lead to careers in fields such as:

  • drama
  • foreign affairs
  • journalism
  • law and politics
  • libraries
  • museums
  • public relations
  • teaching
  • trade and industry
  • university administration.

International students

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

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