- 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 studying online from outside New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Available for part-time study over 2 years or more
Specialise in Japanese for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
A Massey Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in Japanese.
Massey’s GradDipArts (Japanese) will equip you with upper-intermediate and above language skills in spoken and written Japanese. You’ll also gain a valuable understanding of aspects of the social and cultural background of this complex and powerful society.
You can expect to acquire competence equivalent to Level 3 and above of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
The starting point is 200-level Japanese language courses. If you do not have prior proficiency you will need to take 100-level Japanese courses first, outside the Graduate Diploma structure. To establish your level of Japanese you may be required to take an online placement test. Please consult the qualification coordinator for advice. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) is not suitable for native Japanese speakers.
Learn a globally relevant language
The increasingly multicultural nature of society means it is important to learn about new languages and cultures, as well as how they interact with your own. Massey’s Japanese qualifications show you the world from the Japanese perspective and how Japan has interacted with the rest of the world. You’ll gain skills applicable to your own communities.
Interactive study and supportive staff
You will learn from supportive, passionate staff who produce digital study materials. These are complete with exercises, audio, videos and presentations. Your instructors also deliver regular live online language tutorials. They ensure that you don’t have to learn on your own and that everyone can practise speaking Japanese in a shared environment.
Combines culture and language
Language doesn’t exist in isolation. It becomes more powerful when it is learnt in a cultural context. Although you may take mostly language courses, they are your lens for understanding Japanese culture and society better. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) will help you also explore your own culture and identity.
A Graduate Diploma in Arts in Japanese is a good fit if you:
- are interested in different people and cultures
- are keen to improve the level of your Japanese
- want skills that can take you all over the world.
Planning information
Planning information
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) cannot be completed in 1 year full-time because of the prerequisites for the language courses. It takes a minimum of 2 years.
Prior knowledge of Japanese
If you already have prior knowledge of Japanese, you may enter at higher levels, subject to successful completion of an online placement test. You will need to contact the Qualification Coordinator using the Get advice button on this page before you embark on language courses, so that you commence your studies at the most appropriate level for you.
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) is not suitable for native Japanese speakers.
Prerequisite courses
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The GradDipArts (Japanese) 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 GradDipArts.
Check the requirements for your courses before you enrol.
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.
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: 242201 Japanese 2A 15 credits
This course provides students with a pre-intermediate level of reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiency in Japanese building on skills established in prior study. Student will use a range of written and oral exercises to practise new grammatical structures, vocabulary and approximately 80 new kanji, and will acquire the tools to discuss topics of relevance to themselves and Japanese culture and society at an appropriate level.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242202 Japanese 2B 15 credits
This course further develops students' reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiency in Japanese at pre-intermediate level, extending skills gained in 242.201 Japanese 2A. Student will continue to use a range of written and oral exercises to practise new grammatical structures, vocabulary and approximately 100 new kanji, and will improve their ability to discuss topics of relevance to themselves and Japanese culture and society at an appropriate level. The use of respect language (keigo) will also be introduced.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242205 Japanese Cinema 15 credits
This course will introduce Japanese cinema in English translation as an art form that strongly reflects its culture. Traditional samurai films, contemporary social problem films and animations are used to explore how films address issues of modernity and national identity. No previous knowledge of Japanese language, history, or culture is required.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242301 Japanese 3A 15 credits
This course provides students with a pre-advanced level of reading, writing, listening and speaking proficiency in Japanese building on skills established in prior study. Students will continue to extend and refine their ability in Japanese through using a range of exercises practising more advanced vocabulary and idioms, grammatical structures, respect language (keigo) and approximately 244 new kanji. Students will be expected to develop comprehension and communication skills to deal confidently and accurately with various situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242302 Japanese 3B 15 credits
This course further extends students' Japanese proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking to advanced level, building on skills established in 242.301 Japanese 3A. Students will continue to further extend and refine their ability in Japanese through practising an increased range of vocabulary and idioms, grammatical structures, respect language (keigo) and approximately 208 new kanji. Students will be expected to develop their comprehension and communication skills for confident and accurate use in more varied situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242304 Reading and Writing about Current Japan 15 credits
Selected issues of contemporary Japanese society will be studied through the medium of texts in the Japanese language. Further development of Japanese skills in reading and writing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 242305 Readings in Modern Japanese Literature 15 credits
A study of selected extracts in the original Japanese from the work of major modern writers.
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 (Japanese) 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
With a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese), you’ll have career prospects in many areas, including:
- trade and commerce
- education
- the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme
- foreign affairs
- military and strategic affairs
- border security
- tourism
- disaster management
- creative arts
- website localisation.
Related study options
Japanese – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Develop your oral and written Japanese with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Japanese). You can study Japanese without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Japanese – Bachelor of Arts
Let your love of the Japanese language give you an edge in the international job market. Gain fascinating insights into Japan’s rich language, culture, and society.
Japanese – Diploma in Arts
Gain fascinating insights into Japan’s rich language, culture, and society. The Diploma in Arts (Japanese) will give you an edge in the international job market.
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