Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Social Policy for your Postgraduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Policy) gives you advanced study of social policy. Take a topic that captured your imagination as an undergraduate student in social policy and develop it fully through independent study.
Get understanding and insight
Gain an understanding of the political, economic, social and cultural factors that influence the development, implementation and evaluation of social policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll study law, politics and the roles of central and local government in a democratic society. This will give you insight into the shaping of legislation and policy, and the relationships between:
- the state
- judiciary
- legal system
- political parties
- the public.
Apply your skills
Learn to apply your critical social policy analysis skills to a number of decision-making scenarios to result in better social outcomes. This could take many forms including a policy, project plan, submission or even the strategic direction of an organisation.
Further study
This qualification offers a pathway to Massey’s master’s qualifications such as the Master of Arts.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Social Policy is a good fit if you:
- wish to stay relevant to current debates in social policy
- want to investigate a particular aspect of social policy
- are fascinated by how and why power, resources and opportunities are distributed within society.
Planning information
Completing an endorsement is compulsory. A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Policy) 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
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: 132741 Long-Term Community Planning 30 credits
An examination of the theoretical and empirical aspects of long-term community planning and exploration of evolving good practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179702 Advanced Research Methods 30 credits
An examination of research methods, traditions and techniques used in social and health research. The course is designed to assist the planning of Master and Doctoral theses.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179783 Māori Development and the Social Services 30 credits
Themes in contemporary Māori development (kaupapa Māori) with particular reference to the aspirations of Māori people. Emphasis will be placed on the implications of such themes for the social services as well as for the development of appropriate social policies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279701 Social Policy and Political Economy 30 credits
An advanced study of the nature and prospects for social policy (and the welfare state in particular) in contemporary societies. An examination of key political concepts, alternative models of political economy, competing theoretical perspectives of the state and social policy, and empirical developments both in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 279703 Social Policy Studies 30 credits
A critical review of social policy in New Zealand with particular emphasis on policy processes, institutional frameworks, social policy delivery systems, outcomes.
View full course detailsEntry 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 (Social Policy) 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 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.
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, 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
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
Your Postgraduate Diploma in Arts(Social Policy) will give you the knowledge and competencies you need in your career as a policy analyst and researcher. You will learn a range of intellectual and practical skills that will stand you in good stead in the job market.
This qualification opens up a world of opportunity to be involved in influencing a broad number of social issue outcomes (e.g healthy housing, youth development, Māori wellbeing, health promotion, gender analysis of policy), not only from a Government-down position, but also from an individual, community and society-up perspective.
You will learn to apply your critical social policy analysis skills to a number of decision-making scenarios to result in better social outcomes. This decision-making can take many forms including a policy, a project plan, submission, or even the strategic direction of an organisation.
You could work in areas such as:
- research
- communications
- project management
- governance
- charitable trusts
- social marketing
- journalism (critical analysis of social issues)
- advocacy
- teaching and lecturing
- policy analysis - public, private and third sector (NGOs, PPPs, not-for-profit, voluntary and charity organisations)
- youth development
- community development
- politics
- government agencies - local, regional and central
- non government organisations (NGOs - trusts etc (housing, Māori land trusts, health service providers, disability advocacy and support, youth development).
Related study options
Social Policy – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Social Policy), you can study social policy without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Social Policy – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Take your social policy study to the next level with Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Social Policy). Investigate and develop a deeper understanding of an area in social policy that has taken your interest.
Social Policy – Bachelor of Arts
Study Massey's Bachelor of Arts (Social Policy) to learn how law, politics, and the roles of central and local Government operate and interact in a democratic society.
Social Policy – Diploma in Arts
Study the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that influence the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policy in New Zealand.
Social Policy – Master of Arts
Discover how and why power, resources and opportunities are distributed within society. Develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in social policy with Massey’s Master of Arts (Social Policy).
Social Policy – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Learn what influences the development, implementation, and evaluation of social policy in New Zealand with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Social Policy).
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz