Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
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 Master of Arts – MA
Go beyond your bachelor’s degree and delve deep into a subject that interests you.
Thrive in a world of constant change
Studying the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences is transformative. More than ever, the world needs people who can thrive in an ever-changing global environment and who are able to effectively challenge and critique new ideas. Advancing your study to master’s level will further enhance your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills so you emerge and thrive as a leader in your field.
Shape future innovation
The arts are your passport to all the world’s wonderful places. Studying at a higher level will open doors to new cultures, communities and opportunities, driving your ability to champion creative and innovative solutions for complex global issues. You will have the opportunity to pursue advanced study in a humanities or social sciences subject of your choice through a research report or a thesis.
Develop your future
The arts examine the social and cultural issues that affect people and places. Your advanced understanding of these issues will take your professional development to new heights and equip you to lead New Zealand into the future.
A MA is a good fit if you:
- want to stretch your intellectual horizons
- aspire to change things for the better
- seek new solutions to world problems.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Arts you will have been awarded or qualified for:
-
a Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, with at least a B grade average across the 200/300 level major courses
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a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a subject in the intended postgraduate subject or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts with an endorsement in the intended postgraduate subject, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B+ grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Research Pathway or a B grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Coursework Pathway.
If you have a BA (Hons) or PGDipArts from Massey University in the intended Master of Arts subject as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
To enter the Master of Arts (Psychology) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology having achieved at least a B grade average in the 300-level Psychology specialisation courses, 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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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 on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 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 Master of Arts
The Master of Arts is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Not all courses are available in each semester.
Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two.
- For the coursework pathway a minimum B grade average is required.
- For the research pathway a minimum B+ grade average is required.
If you enrol in a thesis, you commence with Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 1, followed by Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 in the next enrolment period. Both parts combine to meet the thesis requirements with a single grade assigned to each part.
If the thesis cannot be submitted at the end of the initial Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 enrolment, you must re-enrol in Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 and pay fees each semester until submission is made.
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
180 credits
Coursework Pathway
- Part One subject courses (may include compulsory courses) – 120 credits
- Part Two research report – 60 credits
Research Pathway
- Part One subject courses (may include compulsory courses) – 60 or 90 credits
- Part Two thesis course(s) – 90 or 120 credits
Requires:
- Completion of Part One and Two
- Completion of a subject
Choose a:
- Coursework pathway (including a 60-credit research report), or
- Research pathway (including a 90 or 120-credit thesis)
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 credits.
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
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.
Subjects
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.
Completing a subject is compulsory.
Find out more about subject requirements in the regulations for this qualification.
Defence and Security Studies
Join Massey’s Master of Arts (Defence and Security Studies) to build an advanced understanding of security and defence. You will carry out research in an area of your choice.
Economics
Open up a world of employment options. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Economics) you’ll build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and research skills.
Education
Follow your passion for education with Massey’s Master of Arts (Education). Investigate education issues that interested you as an undergraduate in a flexible timeframe that suits you.
English
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.
Geography
Take your study of geography to a higher level with Massey’s Master of Arts (Geography). You can build on your undergraduate interest in geography and develop your critical research skills.
History
With Massey’s Master of Arts (History) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for history. Complete advanced research of an aspect of history that interests you.
Māori Knowledge
Follow your passion for Māori language, culture and tikanga. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Māori Knowledge) you can build on your undergraduate interests by exploring a specific area of research.
Media Studies
With Massey’s Master of Arts (Media Studies), develop critical research skills exploring an aspect of media that interests you. Gain advanced insights into media studies that will build on your undergraduate knowledge.
Museum Studies
Prepare to meet the challenges of working in cultural organisations with the Master of Arts (Museum Studies). Build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of museum studies that interests you.
Philosophy
Tackle the questions that have always gripped humanity. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Philosophy), you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of philosophy that interests you.
Psychology
With Massey’s Master of Arts (Psychology) you'll build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of a psychology field that interests you. This provides a competitive edge of knowledge in psychology among your peers.
Social Anthropology
Immerse yourself in another world. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Social Anthropology) you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of social anthropology that interests you.
Sociology
Take your study of sociology to the next level. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Sociology) you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of sociology that interests you.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Asia New Zealand Foundation Postgraduate Research Grants
- Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
- John McArthur Geography Research Scholarship
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
- Raewyn Good Study Award for Māori and Pasifika Social Science Research
- Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language Education (SFFJLE) Postgraduate Scholarship
- The Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff) Postgraduate Scholarship
- William Broughton Bursary in New Zealand Literary Studies
- Yvonne A M Smith Charitable Trust Postgraduate Scholarship
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
Graduates of the MA are adaptable and versatile. You will be able to work across a broad range of sectors and roles including:
- advertising
- aid and disaster relief workers
- business managers
- communications
- conflict resolution
- customs / immigration officers
- defence forces
- disaster relief
- education
- family therapists
- foreign affairs
- human resources
- international business
- media production
- mental health practitioners
- novelists
- peacekeeping
- policy developers
- policy development and analysis
- politics
- project management
- public relations
- research managers
- risk management
- school principals
- sign language interpreters
- special education needs
- specialist teachers
- speechwriters
- teaching English overseas
- translation
- travel and hospitality.
Earn more
A 2016 Ministry of Education report, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 19% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz