- 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 History for your Master of Arts at Massey
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.
Research your particular interest
With an MA (History) you can investigate a particular issue in great depth. You could focus on New Zealand and the Pacific, or study a particular era, such as the medieval period, or the 20th century. You could look at a theme, such as politics, sport or social history, or another area of interest. The courses you’ll complete will complement your focus on your chosen research area by helping you develop your research skills and quickly master the research process.
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. At Massey, our history programme is focused on Māori history, New Zealand history more broadly, Military History and Medieval history.
Complete your MA in 3 semesters
Massey’s Master of Arts is 180 credits. This means you can complete an MA in 4 semesters of full-time study. If you study part-time, an MA will normally take 3 years to complete.
A Master of Arts in History is a good fit if you:
- wish to stay relevant to advances in the study of history
- want to investigate a particular aspect of history for your thesis
- are keen to follow your intellectual curiosity and develop your research skills.
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 (History) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two. A minimum B+ grade average is required. If you do not achieve a B+ average you can either exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts or complete 148799 and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
If you enrol in a thesis, you commence with Thesis (120 credits) Part One, followed by Thesis (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 Part Two enrolment, you must re-enrol in Thesis 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
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.
Research Pathway only
Part One: Compulsory courses
Course code: 148720 Advanced Historiography 30 credits
An examination of the relationship between ideas about the nature and meaning of history and the writing of history. The course concentrates on groups of historians who have propounded a philosophy of history and have been practitioners of the historian's art.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148730 Advanced Historical Methodology 30 credits
A study of the theory and practice of historical research methodology.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 148816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 148817 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 (History) 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.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Humanities and Social Sciences Master’s Step-Up Scholarship
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
- Max Chapple Memorial 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
Careers and job opportunities
With an MA (History) you can choose from a wide range of careers including:
- archiving
- editing
- journalism
- policy analysis
- teaching
- research management
- administration.
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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History – Graduate Certificate in Arts
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.
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