Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Arts at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a postgraduate research qualification designed for students who want to develop advanced subject knowledge, independent research capabilities and specialist expertise in the humanities, social sciences and related disciplines.

Key benefits include:

• Study at a well-established New Zealand university in Wellington, the country's capital.

• Develop advanced research, critical thinking, analytical and academic writing skills.

• Undertake independent research under academic supervision.

• Choose from a wide range of arts and social science disciplines.

• Develop specialist knowledge in a subject relevant to your previous academic background and career objectives.

• Access university research resources, academic expertise and postgraduate learning support.

• Explore opportunities for further academic study, including doctoral research, subject to admission requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MA is structured around advanced independent research in the student's chosen discipline.

The main academic components include:

• Selection of an approved research area.

• Development of a research proposal and research question.

• Academic supervision by an appropriate university staff member.

• Independent investigation of the selected topic.

• Critical evaluation of academic literature and relevant research.

• Research methodology appropriate to the subject.

• Preparation and submission of a research thesis.

• Completion of the university's applicable research and thesis requirements.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The university publishes the following subject areas under its Master of Arts programme:

1. Applied Linguistics

2. Art History

3. Asian Studies

4. Chinese

5. Classical Studies

6. Classics

7. Creative Writing

8. Criminology

9. Cultural Anthropology

10. Development Studies

11. Education

12. English

13. Environmental Humanities

14. Film

15. French

16. Geography

17. German

18. History

19. International Relations

20. Italian

21. Japanese

22. Linguistics

23. Literary Translation Studies

24. M?ori Studies

25. Mathematics

26. Media Studies

27. Museum and Heritage Studies

28. Music

29. New Zealand Studies

30. Pacific Studies

31. Philosophy

32. Political Science

33. Public Policy

34. Social Policy

35. Sociology

36. Spanish

37. Study of Religion

38. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

39. Theatre

Programme Highlights

• A 120-point postgraduate research qualification.

• Research thesis of up to 40,000 words.

• Approximately 3–4 trimesters of full-time study.

• Flexible research commencement, subject to acceptance.

• Opportunities to work with academic supervisors in specialist disciplines.

• Full-time and part-time study options, subject to applicable regulations.

• Research training in critical analysis, academic communication and independent investigation.

• Potential pathway to doctoral study, including a PhD, subject to admission requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may use their advanced subject knowledge and research skills in career areas such as:

• Research and academic support.

• Education and teaching, subject to relevant professional qualifications.

• Government and public-sector policy roles.

• International relations and development organisations.

• Social policy and community organisations.

• Cultural institutions, museums and heritage organisations.

• Media, communications and publishing.

• Research, analysis and consultancy.

• Arts, humanities and social science-related professions.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

1. 2027 international tuition information: The university's international programme pages publish estimated 2027 fees for the MA.

2. Flexible commencement: The research MA generally allows applications throughout the year, subject to academic acceptance and supervision arrangements.

3. Research supervision: Applicants should identify an appropriate research area and confirm supervisor availability before applying.

4. Research workload: Full-time MA students should expect to spend at least 30 hours per week on their studies for much of the year.

5. Thesis completion: The normal full-time completion period is 12 months.

6. Separate coursework qualification: The university has also announced a Master of Arts (Coursework), a different 180-point qualification planned for 2027, subject to regulatory approval. This should not be confused with the 120-point research MA.

7. International orientation: New international students must complete the applicable International Orientation and Enrolment requirements before beginning their programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the MA on campus in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa requirements:

1. Offer of Place: Obtain an Offer of Place from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

2. Valid passport: Provide a valid passport and the required identity documentation.

3. Tuition fees: Demonstrate that tuition fees have been paid, can be paid, or are covered by an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement.

4. Living expenses: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

5. Medical and travel insurance: Maintain insurance acceptable to the university and Immigration New Zealand.

6. Genuine student intentions: Satisfy Immigration New Zealand that you are a genuine student and intend to comply with visa conditions.

7. Health and character: Meet the applicable health and character requirements.

8. Return travel: Provide evidence of a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

9. Academic documentation: Provide the academic and English-language evidence requested for your application.

Financial requirements:

For tertiary-level international students, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of:

• NZ$20,000 for each year of study; or

• NZ$1,667 per month if the course is shorter than one year.

Visa type:

• Fee Paying Student Visa.

• The visa must identify Victoria University of Wellington as the education provider and match the approved programme.

• The visa can generally allow full-time study.

• Eligible students may receive permission to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa.

• Students must comply with attendance, academic progress and other visa conditions.

• International students must maintain approved medical and travel insurance for the required period.

Application guidance:

• Apply through the official Immigration New Zealand website.

• The university recommends applying for a student visa at least three months before intended travel.

• Visa fees and processing times can change, so applicants should check the latest information before applying.