Where you can study
International students
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Specialise in Classical Studies for your Graduate Certificate in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to gain knowledge of classical studies. You can use it to study another subject area without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Gain a deep understanding of 21st-century culture
Knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome is essential for an understanding of our own modern civilisation. The Greeks and Romans had a profound and lasting influence on world culture in language, philosophy, science, medicine, law, political institutions, art and architecture. They also created and developed nearly every genre of Western literature.
With a Massey Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) you can take a variety of courses to trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity and our own 21st-century civilisation.
Follow your passion and enhance your future
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, sexuality, and interaction with other civilisations such as Egypt.
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, thus acquiring and developing a sought-after range of skills.
World-class learning
Massey offers passionate and friendly lecturers, a world-class distance-learning programme, and multimedia learning materials.
Further study
Once you have completed your Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) you can go on to postgraduate study if you wish. For example a Master of Arts (History) with a classical studies focus.
A Graduate Certificate in Arts in Classical Studies is a good fit if you:
- already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
- are interested in the ancient roots of modern Western civilisation
- want to gain an insight into two of the most fascinating civilisations in history.
Planning information
This qualification may be completed in one semester of full-time study (depending on sequencing of courses) or over a longer period of part-time study.
Note that not all courses are available in any one year.
You may not enrol for a course in classical studies with the same title as one for which credit has already been given.
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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 201216 The Trojan War 15 credits
A comparative examination of the Trojan War in Greek and Roman literature.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree.
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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 any of the fields below, as well as many others:
- drama
- foreign affairs
- journalism
- law and politics
- libraries
- museums
- public relations
- teaching
- trade and industry
- university administration.
Related study options
Classical Studies – Bachelor of Arts
Study the past, understand the present and help build the world of tomorrow.
Classical Studies – Diploma in Arts
With Massey's Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) you can take a variety of courses to trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity, and our own 21st-century civilisation.
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.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz