- 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 History for your Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 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 BA (Honours) (History) you can investigate a particular issue in great depth. You could focus on New Zealand, or study a particular era, such as the medieval period. You can also look at particular themes such as politics, sport, military history or social history. 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 qualifications are focused on New Zealand history, Māori history and Military history. New Zealand themes are central to our academics’ research. This combination means you will graduate ready to shape the future of New Zealand.
Have access to top resources
Whether you study on campus or by distance, you’ll have the best resources at your fingertips. Your reading materials are engaging and available online 24/7. Class sizes are small to ensure you benefit from the wealth of knowledge that our academics have to offer.
Uncover your own historical stories
Our expertise expands across a variety of fields including Māori, Medieval, Military, British and New Zealand history more broadly. So no matter what you’re interested in, you’ll get the tools to tell the stories you want told.
A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History is a good fit if you:
- were a high-achieving undergraduate history student
- are keen to follow your intellectual curiosity and develop your research skills
- would like to investigate an issue in history through independent, supervised research.
Planning information
Planning information
Completing a subject is compulsory. A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (History) requires 120 credits.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Not all courses are available in each 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
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.
Compulsory 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148730 Advanced Historical Methodology 30 credits
A study of the theory and practice of historical research methodology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148799 Research Report (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) (History) 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 copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language 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 qualifications 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.
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
Careers and job opportunities
Massey’s BA (Honours) (History) prepares you for many career options, including:
- archiving
- editing
- journalism
- policy analysis
- teaching
- research management
- administration.
Related study options
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Defence and Security Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Defence and Security Studies) you can take your undergraduate study of defence and security further.
Defence and Security Studies – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
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Defence and Security Studies – Master of Arts
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History – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
History – Bachelor of Arts
Get a new appreciation for the world around you by studying Massey's Bachelor of Arts (History).
History – Diploma in Arts
To learn about history is to learn about change in the world and in ourselves. Having a better understanding of history will make you more broad-minded as a person and citizen.
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.
History – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (History) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for history. Complete advanced research of an aspect of history that interests you.
History – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in history without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
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