- 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.
- Not open to international students
Specialise in History for your Postgraduate Diploma in 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 a PGDipArts (History) you can investigate a particular issue in great depth. You could focus on New Zealand, or study a particular era, such as the medieval period. You can also look at themes such as politics, sport, military history or social history. 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 qualification is focused on New Zealand history, Māori history and Military history. New Zealand themes are central to our academics’ research. This combination means you will graduate ready to shape the future of New Zealand.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in History is a good fit if you:
- are interested in progressing towards a thesis for your Master of Arts (History)
- wish to stay relevant to current issues in history
- want to investigate a particular aspect of history.
Planning information
Planning information
Completing an endorsement is compulsory. A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) requires 120 credits.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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.
Subject 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 detailsCourse code: 148799 Research Report (60) 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) 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 qualification. This normally means that a B- grade average or above is required.
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: Not applicable
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History) you can choose from a wide range of careers including:
- archiving
- editing
- journalism
- policy analysis
- teaching
- research management
- administration.
Related study options
Defence Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Defence Studies), you can study defence without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Defence Studies – Diploma in Arts
Join a qualification unique to New Zealand, that combines the study of modern defence studies and military history with broad and transferable critical-thinking skills.
Defence and Security Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Defence and Security Studies) you can take your undergraduate study of defence and security further.
Defence and Security Studies – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Defence and Security Studies) will build upon your undergraduate interests and develop your research and critical analysis skills.
Defence and Security Studies – Master of Arts
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.
History – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
History – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (History), you can take your undergraduate study of history further.
History – Bachelor of Arts
Get a new appreciation for the world around you by studying Massey's Bachelor of Arts (History).
History – Diploma in Arts
To learn about history is to learn about change in the world and in ourselves. Having a better understanding of history will make you more broad-minded as a person and citizen.
History – Master of Arts
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.
History – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in history without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
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