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 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts – PGDipArts
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts offers you a pathway for advanced studies in a subject area of your choice.
Why arts and humanities?
Studying arts is transformative. Employers, industries and the labour market of the future need people who can thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace. Learn to effectively challenge and critique new ideas. Advance your study at postgraduate level. You’ll enhance your communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills so you can take on the opportunities that the future holds and thrive as a leader in your field.
Shape future innovation
The arts and humanities subjects 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.
Further study
When you have completed your diploma you may have the opportunity to study for a master’s degree such as a Master of Arts.
A PGDipArts is a good fit if you:
- would like to extend your undergraduate major
- are interested in advanced studies or research in the arts or humanities
- want a point of difference.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts you will have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent.
You will need to have achieved a grade average in your bachelor degree that demonstrates an adequate level of preparation for the postgraduate programme. This normally means that a B- grade average or above is required.
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) you will have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a Psychology major, with at least a B- grade average in the 300-level Psychology courses, or equivalent.
You will need to provide verified copies of all 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.
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.
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 a class of Honours, 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.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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
120 credits
- Courses from an endorsement – 120 credits
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.
Endorsements
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 an endorsement is compulsory. An endorsement requires 120 credits.
Defence and Security Studies
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Defence and Security Studies) will build upon your undergraduate interests and develop your research and critical analysis skills.
Economics
With Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Economics) you’ll build on your undergraduate interests and further investigate topics in economics that have taken your interest.
Education
Follow your passion for education with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Education). Through a flexible qualification, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge in an area of education you are interested in.
English
A Massey Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English) will help you understand how language shapes the world we live in.
Geography
Take your study of geography to a higher level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Geography). Enhance your research skills by investigating a topic in geography that interests you.
Geospatial Science
Take your study of geospatial science to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Geospatial Science). Build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and technical skills.
History
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.
Māori Knowledge
Take your study of Māori to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Māori Knowledge). You’ll develop further insight into Māori language, culture and tikanga.
Media Studies
Build on your undergraduate interests in media studies with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media Studies). Develop your research and analysis skills by exploring an area that interests you.
Philosophy
Build on your undergraduate interests and enhance your research and critical analysis skills. With Massey’s PGDipArts (Philosophy) you’ll develop highly applicable and useful skills that are in demand.
Politics and International Relations
Take your study of politics to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Politics and International Relations). Build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and research skills.
Psychology
Help you make sense of the human impact on the world with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology). You can take your undergraduate study of psychology to the next level.
Social Anthropology
Take your study of social anthropology to the next level. By understanding human behaviour and interactions, you’ll have skills that will be useful in almost every career path, all over the world.
Social Policy
With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Policy) you’ll build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and research skills in social policy.
Sociology
Take your study of sociology to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology). Get the knowledge and competencies you need to start your career.
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 and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more 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
As an arts graduate with a postgraduate qualification, you can expect to contribute positively to a wide range of fields such as:
- civil services and the defence force
- communications, public relations and marketing
- education and professional development
- health, social services and community development
- international business and development
- policy development and analysis
- public service
- business
- research and teaching.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz