Simply the best
Massey has the strongest focus on New Zealand's history of any university in the world.
Join the dots
Studying history, philosophy and culture at Massey is great preparation for succeeding in our increasingly interconnected world.
Make a contribution
Make sense of the world from different perspectives through Massey. Contribute to education, defence, sustainability and more.
The heart of the matter
Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey. Explore what it means to be human, why we act like we do and the ways we create meaning.
Overview
Understand where we've been, how and why things change, and where we're going. Engage with contemporary issues. Explore ideas and cultures from Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.
Learn from world-class lecturers and researchers with expertise in areas such as gender and power, indigenous philosophies, logic, or New Zealand's social history. Get hands-on with field trips to conservation sites, galleries and museums, think tanks, or communities near and far. Hone skills in analysis, communication and interpretation. Choose from a wide array of careers to apply these skills and insights.
History, philosophy and culture are a good fit if you:
- enjoy school subjects such as classics, English, history or social studies – and if you like maths, physics, psychology or religious studies, philosophy may appeal to you too
- want a deeper understanding of people and our world
- like thinking critically and identifying connections.
Course examples
Anthropology
Anthropology courses may cover:
- culture as a lens to understand issues such as climate change or migration
- how people create – and transform – their worlds, beliefs and practices
- fieldwork in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.
Classical studies
Study the ancient Mediterranean world to cast light on our shared human nature and challenges still faced by people today. Courses may cover:
- culture, including literary and visual arts
- history, politics and society
- mythology and religion
- impact and influences through the ages.
History
History courses focus on Aotearoa New Zealand, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and on Europe and the United States. If you major in history, tailor your degree to a specific:
- area, such as a region or country
- era, such as Queen Victoria's reign or the 1960s
- event, such as a pandemic or revolution
- theme, such as military or sporting history.
Philosophy
Philosophy courses explore big questions about ethics, knowledge and reality, including:
- What does wellbeing mean, for ourselves and others?
- Do rivers and mountains have rights, just like people and animals?
- What makes something a science?
You may leave with even more questions. But you'll learn to look at tricky contemporary issues with fresh eyes. Deal with unusual ideas. Express your thoughts clearly. Engage constructively in meaningful conversations.
How to study history, philosophy and culture
Discover what we offer if you’re interested in history, philosophy and culture – whether you’re coming to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to advance your study or career.
Undergraduate study
Bachelor's degrees
Bachelor of Arts – BA
With Massey's BA, you can study subjects that you enjoy while learning to be a creative, critical and independent thinker. You’ll get transferable skills that employers are looking for in a rapidly changing world.
Classical Studies – Bachelor of Arts
Study the past, understand the present and help build the world of tomorrow.
History – Bachelor of Arts
Get a new appreciation for the world around you by studying Massey's Bachelor of Arts (History).
Philosophy – Bachelor of Arts
Develop your ability to think and reason, to express your thoughts clearly and concisely, and to critically evaluate complex ideas. These skills will make you a highly employable graduate.
Social Anthropology – Bachelor of Arts
See the world through fresh eyes. Get a unique perspective on the world, global culture, and society through the Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology).
Undergraduate certificates
Certificate in Arts – CertArts
With Massey’s Certificate in Arts, you can study what you enjoy and explore subjects within history, beliefs, societies, languages, and cultures.
Graduate certificates
Classical Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity and our own 21st-century civilisation. You can study the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
History – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Philosophy – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Your inquisitive mind can make you highly employable. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy), you can study philosophy without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Social Anthropology – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Get a better understanding of the world. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Social Anthropology), you can study social anthropology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate diplomas
Diploma in Arts – DipArts
With a Massey Diploma in Arts, you can study what you enjoy and explore subject areas that spark your interest.
Classical Studies – Diploma in Arts
With Massey's Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) you can take a variety of courses to trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity, and our own 21st-century civilisation.
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.
Philosophy – Diploma in Arts
Is anything really good, or true, or beautiful? Do people have free will, or does science show that free will is an illusion? Are minds distinct from bodies or are they the same thing from a different viewpoint?
Social Anthropology – Diploma in Arts
Study the relationship between human beings and culture with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Social Anthropology).
Graduate diplomas
Classical Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Follow your passion for classical studies. Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in classical studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
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.
Philosophy – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in philosophy without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Social Anthropology – Diploma in Arts
Study the relationship between human beings and culture with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Social Anthropology).
Relevant undergraduate subjects to major or specialise in
When you apply to study at Massey, for some undergraduate qualifications you can choose what subject you’d like to specialise in. You can usually change your mind after you get to university, depending on the courses you enrol in.
Postgraduate study
Postgraduate bachelor's degrees with honours
History – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (History), you can take your undergraduate study of history further.
Māori Knowledge – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Māori Knowledge), you can take your Māori studies to the next level.
Philosophy – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Philosophy) you’ll develop highly applicable and useful critical thinking skills that are in demand.
Social Anthropology – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Social Anthropology) you can take your undergraduate study of social anthropology further.
Master's degrees
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.
Museum Studies – Master of Arts
Prepare to meet the challenges of working in cultural organisations with the Master of Arts (Museum Studies). Build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of museum studies that interests you.
Māori Knowledge – Master of Arts
Follow your passion for Māori language, culture and tikanga. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Māori Knowledge) you can build on your undergraduate interests by exploring a specific area of research.
Philosophy – Master of Arts
Tackle the questions that have always gripped humanity. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Philosophy), you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of philosophy that interests you.
Social Anthropology – Master of Arts
Immerse yourself in another world. With Massey’s Master of Arts (Social Anthropology) you can build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of an aspect of social anthropology that interests you.
Postgraduate diplomas
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.
Māori Knowledge – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
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.
Philosophy – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
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.
Social Anthropology – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
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.
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies – PGDipMusStud
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies will prepare you to meet the challenges cultural organisations face in maintaining heritage collections and delivering high-quality services to communities.
PhD and other doctoral degrees
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
What our students say
“The things I have learnt from studying a Bachelor of Arts are the skills of critical thinking, communication and problem solving. Making decisions makes up a large portion of my job and the ability to analyse every perspective and make a decision based on the evidence given is a very valuable skill.”
“You come to understand not only other cultures, but your own. You also come to better understand yourself.”
Fieldwork opportunities
Our students explore different communities and ideas, with options for overseas travel during postgraduate study. For example:
- anthropology examines societies in Asia, Europe, Pacific Islands, South America, and Aotearoa New Zealand
- philosophy connects with indigenous philosophies around the world.
Jobs in history, philosophy and culture
Many careers rely on the critical thinking and communication skills gained while studying anthropology, classical studies, history and philosophy. Our research with employers show the value of an arts degree, with good demand for these transferrable skills now and in jobs of the future.
Careers can be in all sorts of sectors – examples range from business to government agencies, charities to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), libraries to museums and other arts organisations. Some of our graduates go into the media, research or teaching.
Careers include:
- community advocacy or engagement roles, working with iwi, government and other groups
- communications roles
- diplomats
- gallery or museum roles such as archivists, curators or publicists
- policy analysts, who interpret information for businesses or government
- researchers for businesses, government agencies or universities
- service designers or design researchers
- teachers or lecturers.
Annual salary ranges for jobs
- Communications professional – $42,000 to $250,000
- Curator – $55,000 to $95,000
- Foreign policy officer – $63,000 to $150,000
- Historian – $42,000 to $120,000
- Lecturer – $42,000 to $200,000
- Policy analyst – $47,000 to $150,000
Salary ranges disclaimer
Indicative pay rates are:
- in New Zealand dollars
- based on careers.govt.nz data.
Which history, philosophy and culture qualification?
Examples of where our qualifications may take you.
| Jobs | Examples of what you could study |
|---|---|
| Archivist |
Bachelor of Arts (Classical Studies) Bachelor of Arts (History) Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies Master of Arts (Museum Studies) |
| Communications professional for business or government |
Bachelor of Arts (Classical Studies) Bachelor of Arts (History) Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) |
| Community advocacy or engagement specialist |
Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology) |
| Curator |
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies Master of Arts (Museum Studies) |
| Lecturer or researcher | Master's degree or PhD in your chosen specialisation |
| Policy analyst |
Bachelor of Arts (Classical Studies) Bachelor of Arts (History) Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology) |
| Service designer or design researcher | Bachelor of Arts (Social Anthropology) |
Get an information guide
Download our guide to find out more about studying history and culture at Massey.
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