- 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
Specialise in English for your Master of Arts at Massey
Follow your interests further
A Master of Arts (English) at Massey gives you the chance to study important literary genres and periods in depth. You’ll also explore the complexities of literary language and rhetoric.
Study great texts from the past and present
Massey’s Master of Arts (English) offers you thorough coverage of great literature in English, from Shakespeare to the present day. Our courses are taught by active researchers who share your love of literature: they will introduce you to amazing writing and the reasons why it matters.
Get an applied edge
Choose from a range of courses that will extend your English skills in creative and applied ways. Expand the horizons of your degree by taking an elective course in creative writing, theatre studies or media studies.
Think deeply about the power of language
A Massey Master of Arts (English) helps you understand how language shapes the world we live in. You’ll explore the ethical and social power of imaginative writing and rhetoric, and think deeply about the world and your place in it.
A Master of Arts in English is a good fit if you:
- have a relevant undergraduate degree
- wish to develop your interests in English literature and writing
- want to investigate a particular aspect of English, rhetoric or theatre studies through independent supervised research at an advanced level.
Planning information
Planning information
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.
The Master of Arts (English) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
You'll need a minimum B+ grade average in the first 60 credits to progress to Part Two.
Enrol in Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part One, followed by Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part Two 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 Two enrolment, you must re-enrol in Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part Two and pay fees each semester until submission is made.
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.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Part One
Course code: 139730 Advanced Approaches to Literary Study 1: Theory and Interpretation 30 credits
An advanced introduction to selected theories and methods of literary interpretation, with particular focus on the personal, cultural, and political dimensions of literary criticism. Students will reflect on and develop their own literary critical practice in the context of contemporary debates about why we value literary texts / ngā tuhinga kōrero and how we go about reading them.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139731 Advanced Approaches to Literary Study 2: Research and Communication 30 credits
A comprehensive survey of the skills and methods required to undertake advanced literary research. Students will interrogate and practise key modes of communicating such research to both academic and public audiences, with a particular focus on the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 139816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 139817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
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 Master of Arts (English) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
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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.
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.
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.
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: $10,652
- International students: $38,840
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.
Scholarships and awards
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Margaret Richards Bursary
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship - Semester One
- The Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War Heritage Scholarship
- William Broughton Bursary in New Zealand Literary Studies
Careers and job opportunities
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 Master of Arts (English) graduates to research effectively, analyse rigorously and communicate with style.
Through studying English you’ll develop a set of flexible interpersonal and professional skills that ensure you remain agile and able to take on future opportunities.
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- teaching English, creative writing, theatre studies, and English as a second language
- publishing and e-publishing: writing, editing, researching, technical writing
- working as a literary agent /writing coach
- web content development
- journalism
- freelance speech writing, travel writing, blogging and reviewing.
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.
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