- 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.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand
Specialise in History for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in history.
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.
Choices - pick what interests you
You can study one particular area, such as New Zealand and the Pacific. Or you could study a particular era, such as the medieval period or the 20th century. You could also focus on themes, such as politics, or social history.
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. We have the strongest focus on New Zealand history of any university in the world and New Zealand themes are central to our academics’ research. This combination means you will graduate ready to shape the future of New Zealand.
Uncover your own historical stories
Our expertise expands across a variety of fields including medieval, military, New Zealand, European, and global history. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll get the tools to tell the stories you want told.
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 History is a good fit if you:
- are interested in learning about how the past affects the way we live now
- enjoy subjects such as English, history and social studies
- are keen to know more about the history of a specific area or region.
Planning information
Planning information
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.
Not all courses are available at all campuses or in any one year.
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
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: 148201 Shaping the Modern World: Global History Since 1945 15 credits
This course develops an understanding of the contemporary world by examining the people, events, ideas and forces that have shaped the world since 1945.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148202 Voyages of Ancestors: Atlantic and Pacific Journeys 800-1800 15 credits
The course compares reasons and effects of maritime journeys by Polynesians with those of Europeans, from the Vikings onwards. It deals with encounters with other peoples in the Americas, and with colonialism.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148209 Te Tiriti in History 15 credits
This course explores Te Tiriti in the context of nineteenth-century wars, raupatu, continuing conflict over land, and decolonial historical scholarship in the present.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148302 A World at War, 1900-1945 15 credits
This course focuses on the origins, courses, and legacies of the First and Second World Wars. It adopts a broad perspective on the conflicts, considering their military, political, and social aspects.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148334 Histories of Sport, Leisure and Recreation 15 credits
The course explores ideas of recreation and leisure from the medieval period onwards, and particularly the emergence of organised sports in the modern era, with reference to empire, colonisation, women and commercialism.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148339 The Art of Power: Medieval and Renaissance Courts 15 credits
The course examines the power, propaganda and art of European states, focusing on the courts of Burgundian, Valois and Tudor rulers in the late medieval era.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148346 Te Pouhere Kōrero: Māori and Indigenous Histories 15 credits
This course focuses on methods, theories, tikanga and ethics at the forefront in the mahi and research of iwi/Māori and other Indigenous historians.
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 Diploma in Arts (History) 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.
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: $7,415
- International students: $34,220
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
A Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) prepares you for many careers, including:
- archiving
- editing
- journalism
- policy analysis
- teaching
- research management
- administration
- media research.
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
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With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
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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
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