- Where you can study
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Distance and online
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Not open to international students
Specialise in English for your Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Massey
Follow your interests further
A BA (Honours) (English) at Massey gives you the chance to study important literary genres and periods in depth. You’ll also explore the complexities of literary language and rhetoric.
Study great texts from the past and present
Massey’s BA (Honours) (English) offers you thorough coverage of great literature in English, from Shakespeare to the present day. Electives are available in theatre studies, rhetoric and creative writing. Our courses are taught by active researchers who share your love of literature and language; they’ll introduce you to amazing writing and the reasons why it matters.
Think deeply about the power of language
A Massey BA (Honours) (English) helps you understand how language shapes the world we live in. You’ll explore the ethical and social power of imaginative writing and rhetoric, and think deeply about the world and your place in it.
Express your insights
You’ll get excellent training in expressing yourself in a range of written, digital and oral forms. You’ll develop specialised skills in reading and writing that are transferable into many professional careers.
A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English is a good fit if you:
- were a high-achieving undergraduate English student
- want to stand out in a crowded marketplace
- would like to investigate a particular issue in English, rhetoric or theatre studies through independent supervised research.
Planning information
Planning information
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
Courses you can enrol in
120 credits from
Course code: 139730 Advanced Approaches to Literary Study 1: Theory and Interpretation 30 credits
An advanced introduction to selected theories and methods of literary interpretation, with particular focus on the personal, cultural, and political dimensions of literary criticism. Students will reflect on and develop their own literary critical practice in the context of contemporary debates about why we value literary texts / ngā tuhinga kōrero and how we go about reading them.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139731 Advanced Approaches to Literary Study 2: Research and Communication 30 credits
A comprehensive survey of the skills and methods required to undertake advanced literary research. Students will interrogate and practise key modes of communicating such research to both academic and public audiences, with a particular focus on the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139873 Research Report English (60) 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (English) you will have been awarded or qualified for a:
- Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent qualification with a major in the intended postgraduate subject or close equivalent, or
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in the intended postgraduate subject, followed by a Graduate Certificate in Arts endorsed in the intended postgraduate subject or close equivalent, or
- Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Arts in the intended postgraduate subject or close equivalent.
You must have achieved at least a B grade average over the 200 and 300-level courses.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey's English language competency requirements.
If English is not your first language and your qualifying degree was not completed at a University where English is the medium of instruction, to enter this qualification you must have achieved an IELTS of 7.0 with no band less than 6.5.
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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- International students: Not applicable
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Your love of literature and writing can take you into a range of professions where literacy, critical thinking and communication skills are highly valued. Employers appreciate the ability of BA (Honours) (English) graduates to research effectively, analyse rigorously and communicate with style.
Through studying English you’ll develop a set of flexible interpersonal and professional skills that ensure you remain agile and able to take on future opportunities.
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- teaching English, creative writing, theatre studies, and English as a second language
- publishing and e-publishing: writing, editing, researching, technical writing
- working as a literary agent /writing coach
- web content development
- journalism
- freelance speech writing, travel writing, blogging and reviewing
- librarianship
- liaison and relationship management
- arts administration
- community development
- corporate training
- corporate event management.
Related study options
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Creative Writing – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Examine great creative works and start writing your own. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in creative writing without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
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Understand how words shape our world with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (English).
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Develop your passion for literature. Understand how great writing has shaped identity, culture, and society.
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Do you have a passion for literature? The Diploma in Arts (English) will give you versatile and transferable skills that can open many career pathways.
English – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
A Massey Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English) will help you understand how language shapes the world we live in.
English – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (English) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for literature. Complete advanced research into an aspect of English, rhetoric or theatre studies.
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The Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in English without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
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