Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Arts – GradDipArts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree. The graduate diploma is a bridging tool to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a specific area so you can go on to postgraduate study.
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 GradDipArts is a good fit if you:
- already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
- have an interest in pursuing postgraduate study in the humanities and social sciences.
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 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.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 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.
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Arts
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.
Prerequisite courses
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study where required.
Some GradDipArts specialisations (Chinese, Economics, Japanese, Mathematics, Spanish, Statistics) include 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 GradDipArts.
For all other specialisations, you will be automatically granted exemption from 100-level prerequisites. Check the requirements for your specialisation before you enrol in courses.
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.
Please note: No 100-level credits can be included in the GradDipArts. Any 100-level prerequisite course that you need to pass before you start the Graduate Diploma in Arts should be taken under the Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Endorsement courses from the Schedule – 90 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – 30 credits
Endorsement courses must include at least 60 credits at 300 level.
Electives must include at least 15 credits at 300-level.
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.
Endorsements
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
You would normally complete a specialisation (endorsement) unless you have a good reason to take courses from different subjects.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without an endorsement.
Chinese
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Chinese) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Chinese without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Classical Studies
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.
Creative Writing
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.
Defence Studies
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Defence Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in defence studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Development Studies
Transform lives with development studies. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Development Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in development studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Economics
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Economics) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in economics without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Educational Psychology
Help people learn, develop and achieve with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Educational Psychology).
Education
Transform lives with a career in education. Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Education) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in education without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
English
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.
Environmental Studies
Explore the dynamic relationship between human society and our environment with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies).
Geography
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in geography without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
History
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.
Japanese
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Japanese without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Linguistics
Use language to drive your career. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in linguistics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Māori Knowledge
Learn about Māori culture, society, and language. This Graduate Diploma in Arts will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Māori studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics
Build your knowledge of mathematics and learn how to communicate your findings, with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics).
Media Studies
Create, critique, and connect with your media world with the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Media Studies). You will gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in media studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Philosophy
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in philosophy without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Politics and International Relations
Be informed about how decisions are made in society. This Graduate Diploma in Arts will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in politics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Psychology
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Security Studies
Gain knowledge about local and global security issues. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in security studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Social Anthropology
Get a better understanding of the world with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Social Anthropology). Gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in social anthropology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Sociology
Use your social knowledge for a meaningful career. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in sociology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Spanish
Learn Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Spanish) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Spanish without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Statistics
With Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Statistics) you’ll learn the key theories of statistics, and gain the quantitative skills to conduct robust statistical analysis that’s effective in the real world.
Without Specialisation
Learn to be a critical thinker, problem-solver, and inspire people with Massey's Graduate Diploma in Arts.
Elective courses
Elective courses may be selected from any endorsement schedule and/or from the list below
Course code: 130301 Incident Command Systems 15 credits
This course introduces the systems used to manage emergencies, including the New Zealand Coordinated Incident Management System and other international variations. Consideration will be given to operational management concepts and tactics for effective incident response.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147201 Issues in Rehabilitation 15 credits
A study of major issues related to rehabilitation processes and practices. Students will examine rehabilitation in relation to personal, social and environmental factors and be introduced to terms, concepts and models related to disability, age, gender, culture, legal and political contexts, family and society, advocacy and inclusion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147202 Mental Health Promotion 15 credits
The course covers the rationale and principles of promoting mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Attention is given to key concepts and frameworks underpinning this area of practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147302 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Addiction 15 credits
A focus on alcohol, other drug use and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising harm reduction and health promotion as intervention tools. Students will develop a critical understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of drug use and addiction, the co-existence of conditions with addictions, and effective legal, public policy and treatment responses to reducing harm.
View full course detailsCourse code: 170201 What is Feminism? 15 credits
An examination of feminist theories of gender and gendered social relations and the method of gender analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175313 Gender and Violence 15 credits
A critical, research-based examination of the forms and prevalence of gendered violence, and an examination of selected legislation and intervention practices advocated for reducing and eliminating gendered violence in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230210 Tū Rangaranga: Global Encounters 15 credits
The course explores our connections, impacts, and roles in the world, and our rights and responsibilities as global citizens. It examines what citizenship means in 21st century Aotearoa/NZ, given its history, cultural diversity, and place in the global arena. The course introduces the notion of global citizenship, and explores the relationship between individual and collective action in addressing global problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230310 Tū Tira Mai: Practising Engagement 15 credits
The questions of and possibilities for agency and action form the core of this course, through an enquiry-based exploration of the capacities of the humanities and social sciences for action, intervention and contribution in professional and community contexts. The course also covers the development and application of research skills, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness in addressing practical issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243201 Intermediate French Language I 15 credits
An intermediate-level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension, and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243202 Intermediate French Language II 15 credits
For students with intermediate level of French. An Autonomous level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension, and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243301 Advanced French Language 15 credits
For students with an autonomous level of oral and written French. An advanced-level course in French to further develop written and oral comprehension, expression and analysis, based on contemporary texts and recordings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243304 Contemporary French Popular Culture 15 credits
For students with Advanced level of French. Practical study of contemporary examples of French popular language and culture in a range of fields. An Advanced level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294382 Advanced Biosecurity 15 credits
This course provides an advanced exploration of biosecurity from a social science perspective and exposes students to a range of contemporary biosecurity issues and their management.
View full course detailsFees 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
Graduates who choose to study the humanities and social sciences come from a broad range of disciplines and have diverse backgrounds. They include managers, researchers, educators and leaders looking for personal and professional development.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz