- 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 Chinese for your Graduate Certificate in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chinese) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to gain knowledge of Chinese. You can use it to study another subject area without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Learn a globally relevant language
China has emerged as a major player in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. New Zealand increasingly looks towards the Chinese-speaking world in overseas relations and trade. New Zealand is a multicultural society and home to a substantial number of ethnic Chinese who speak Chinese as their first language.
The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chinese) focuses on skills in oral and written Chinese. You can take language courses from beginner to advanced level. There are also a variety of cultural courses which examine topics such as Chinese history, society, economic transformation, literature and film, and diaspora. Cultural courses do not require any knowledge of the Chinese language.
Further study
Once you have completed your Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chinese) you can go on to postgraduate study if you wish.
A Graduate Certificate in Arts in Chinese is a good fit if you:
- already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
- wish to develop an understanding of Chinese language and culture
- are interested in pursuing postgraduate study in Chinese.
Planning information
Planning information
This qualification may be completed in 1 semester of full-time study (depending on sequencing of courses) or over a longer period of part-time study.
Prerequisite courses
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The GCertArts(Chinese) schedule includes some courses which have specific 100-level courses required as prerequisites which must be passed before enrolling in a 200-level course. Meeting prerequisite requirements may require you to study courses in addition to those specified for the GCertArts.
Check the requirements for your courses before you enrol.
Please note: No 100-level credits can be included in the GCertArts. Any 100-level prerequisite course that you need to pass before you start the Graduate Certificate in Arts should be taken under the Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate.
Native speakers of Chinese
Before enrolling in Chinese language courses below the 300-level, native speakers of Chinese must consult the Programme Coordinator or Head of School to discuss the appropriate selection of courses.
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
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: 241201 Chinese 2A 15 credits
Provides students with intermediate level of proficiency in Putonghua (Mandarin), building on skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Intermediate level structures, vocabulary and characters are reinforced through oral and written exercises. Students acquire the tools appropriate to this level to discuss topics relevant to themselves and to Chinese culture and society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241202 Chinese 2B 15 credits
Aims to further develop intermediate level proficiency in Putonghua (Mandarin), building on skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Entails a further set of intermediate level structures, vocabulary and characters that are reinforced through oral and written exercises. Students discuss topics appropriate to this level and that are relevant to themselves and to Chinese culture and society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241207 Chinese Diaspora 15 credits
This course will examine the emergence and transformation of Chinese international migration in the global context of China’s interactions with the outside world and diaspora’s changing patterns of political, social and cultural adaptations in various regions in the world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241208 Contemporary Chinese Society in Literature and Film 15 credits
An integrated account of social and historical developments of contemporary China (from 1912 to the early 1990s) through a study of selected literary texts and films. No knowledge of Chinese is required.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241301 Chinese 3A 15 credits
Provides students with pre-advanced level proficiency in Putonghua (Mandarin), building on skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Pre-advanced level structures, vocabulary and characters extend and refine linguistic capabilities through oral and written exercises, and students will acquire comprehension and communication skills to deal confidently and accurately with various situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241302 Chinese 3B 15 credits
Provides students with advanced level proficiency in Putonghua (Mandarin), building on skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Advanced level structures, vocabulary and characters extend and refine linguistic capabilities through oral and written exercises, and students will acquire greater comprehension and communication skills to deal confidently and accurately with various situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241304 Contrastive Study of Chinese and English 15 credits
A systematic study of Chinese grammar based on contrastive analysis as an approach to develop communicative skills through increased language awareness. Topics include basic concepts, sentence structure, special verbal constructions, tense and aspect, and complements.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241305 Translation from and into Chinese 15 credits
An advanced introduction to the theory and practice of translation from and into Chinese, with an emphasis on the development and application of written translation skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 241395 Individual Research Project in Chinese Studies 15 credits
An advanced-level research project on an approved topic about Chinese language, literature, history, politics or other cultural aspect.
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 Graduate Certificate in Arts 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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $3,707
- 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 (60 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 $582 for on-campus students and $474 for distance students for full-time study (60 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. Students who are eligible for final-year fees free can normally receive up to 120 credits of fees free. However, if you choose to study this certificate you will only receive up to 60 credits fees free. You will not be able to claim the remaining 60 credits of fees free for future qualifications. For further information see 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
You’ll be in demand
Increasing numbers of skilled graduates in Chinese are needed to work in areas such as diplomacy, healthcare, international business, secondary teaching and tourism. With the skills you’ll gain from Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chinese), you’ll be in demand.
International students
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.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Chinese – Bachelor of Arts
Want to be a leader in the world’s global marketplace? Understand the language and culture of China to unlock the door to a lifetime of exciting careers.
Chinese – Diploma in Arts
Are you interested in Chinese culture? The Diploma in Arts (Chinese) will develop your skills in oral and written Chinese.
Chinese – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Chinese) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Chinese without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
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