Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in English for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in English. You can then apply for a postgraduate qualification in English if you wish.
Study great texts from the past and present
With Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) you’ll experience great literature in English, from Shakespeare to the present day. Our courses are taught by active researchers who share your love of literature: they’ll introduce you to remarkable writing and the reasons why it matters.
Think deeply about the power of language
A Massey Graduate Diploma in Arts (English) gives you tools to understand how literature helps create the world we live in. You’ll begin to explore the ethical and social power of literary language and rhetoric, and start thinking deeply about the world and your place in it.
Get applied skills
Choose from a range of courses where you can use your English skills in creative and applied ways. Expand your horizons by taking a course in creative writing, theatre studies, or public and professional writing.
Express your insights
You’ll learn to express yourself in a range of written, digital and oral forms. You’ll develop specialised skills in reading and writing that are transferable into any professional career.
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 Graduate Diploma in Arts in English is a good fit if you:
- love to experience exceptional writing
- want to understand how words and narratives shape society
- are keen to develop expertise in analysis and communication.
Planning information
Full-time study comprises eight 15-credit courses for a total of 120 credits in one year. We recommend you aim for 60 credits per semester.
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.
Compulsory course
Course code: 139239 Literary Landmarks: Words that Changed the World 15 credits
An introduction to reading, thinking, and writing about literature from the past four centuries, with a focus on the way that literary texts reflect and engage with the historical, social, political and cultural contexts in which they were written.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 139202 Romantic Writing: Self and Nature 15 credits
A study of the relationship between self and nature as explored in texts by British writers of the period 1780-1830.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139211 Shakespeare 15 credits
A study of selected dramatic works by William Shakespeare, taking a thematic overview across a variety of dramatic genres and considering the plays in their original contexts as well as significant contemporary interpretations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139232 Crime Story: Detection as a Narrative Genre 15 credits
A study of the fundamental elements of crime stories and the social significance of crime as a narrative genre in relation to questions of social order, law and justice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139244 Writing for the Public 15 credits
A course in writing non-fiction genres for the public, informed by a broad historical understanding of the emergence of the public sphere and its current reshaping in the digital age. Students apply rhetorical theory and theories of argument in their own writing and in analysing works by selected public intellectuals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139253 American Literature 15 credits
An introduction to American literature, focusing on key novels, short stories and poems from the Romantic period through to the postmodern, and their relation to their historical and cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139255 Critical Periods in Aotearoa New Zealand Literature 15 credits
An introduction to New Zealand’s literary history, focusing on important novels, short stories and poems in relation to their social and political contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139270 Young Adult Fiction 15 credits
A study of young adult fiction and its reception. Focussing on classic and contemporary examples, the course explores the definition of the genre and its characteristic concerns, with a focus on case studies of popular and controversial texts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139305 Twentieth Century Literature 15 credits
A study of a variety of twentieth-century fiction and poetry. Emphasis will be given to aspects of literary modernism and postmodernism in order to contextualise the literary works.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139306 Writing Shakespeare’s England 15 credits
An advanced exploration of the Early Modern poetry and drama of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, focusing on key themes, prominent genres, and the differing contexts of the royal court and the new world of the empowered citizen.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139307 Territory, Modernity, and Victorian Literature 15 credits
An advanced introduction to Victorian literature, highlighting the engagement by nineteenth century writers with questions of liberalism, democratisation, and the expansion of the British empire.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139325 The Gothic Imagination 15 credits
A study of the term 'Gothic' in literature and film, relating the enduring Gothic themes of fantasy, the unconscious and death to contemporary literary and social debates.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139340 The Publishing Project 15 credits
In this course, students study and experience the principles, processes and practice of publishing, through the co-production of an online publication. Key concepts include teamwork, co-production, theme selection, peer review, production scheduling, source selection, and online publishing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139352 Postcolonial Literature 15 credits
A study of late-nineteenth and twentieth century novels in English, from diverse cultures, paying special attention to the ways in which these address the consequences of European colonisation. Recent postcolonial theory will provide a frame for textual analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139362 Oceanic Literatures of Aotearoa: Ngā Tuhinga Kōrero o te Moana nui a Kiwa 15 credits
A study of contemporary Oceanic (Māori and Pasifika) literature in English contextualised in relation to customary and pre-colonial Oceanic literatures, narratives, and storytelling methods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139376 Sexual/Textual Politics 15 credits
A study of patriarchal society and gender identity in selected literary texts.
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 Diploma in Arts (English) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
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 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
Fees 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
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 English graduates to research effectively, analyse rigorously and communicate with style.
Through studying English you will develop a set of flexible interpersonal and professional skills that ensure you remain agile and able to take advantage of future opportunities. The career paths you’ll be able to explore include:
- teacher
- policy analyst
- writer, editor, publisher or researcher
- communicator
- arts administrator, developer or manager
- speech writer, travel writer, blogger or reviewer.
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
Creative Writing – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Creative Writing) you’ll examine inspiring creative writing and start developing your own.
Creative Writing – Bachelor of Arts
Unlock your imagination, expand your creative thinking and polish your writing.
Creative Writing – Diploma in Arts
With a Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) you will examine inspiring creative works and explore your personal creative approach through poetry, life writing, scriptwriting, and fiction.
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.
English – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Understand how words shape our world with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (English).
English – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (English), you can take your undergraduate study of English further.
English – Bachelor of Arts
Develop your passion for literature. Understand how great writing has shaped identity, culture, and society.
English – Diploma in Arts
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.
Master of Creative Writing – MCW
Use your passion for writing to transform yourself and the world through an intense exploration of language.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz