Why Study Master of Arts

The Master of Arts (MA) at the University of Waikato is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in an Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law-related or Maori and Indigenous Studies field. The programme develops advanced critical thinking, research, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with both taught and research-based pathways available. It is offered at Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, with intakes in March and July.

• Level of study: Master's Degree (MA)
• Campus locations: Hamilton and Tauranga, depending on subject and paper availability
• Mode of learning: Primarily campus-based/on-campus study; the University does not advertise the MA as a fully online programme. Delivery can vary by subject and individual papers.
• Duration: 1 year for the 120-point pathway or 1.5 years for the 180-point pathway
• Credits: 120 or 180 points
• Intakes: Trimester A – March; Trimester B – July

Key Benefits

The MA provides flexibility for students from a range of academic backgrounds and allows them to develop advanced knowledge in a chosen discipline while gaining transferable skills valued by employers.

• 180-point taught MA available to graduates from areas including Arts, Education, Management, Psychology, Social Sciences and Sciences.
• 120-point research MA provides an opportunity for independent, supervised research and can provide a pathway towards higher research study.
• Develops advanced critical thinking, research, communication, analysis and problem-solving abilities.
• Students can develop skills in interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, evaluating methodologies and communicating complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Opportunities to connect learning with academic, government, cultural, creative, media, education and professional organisations.

Program Structure

The programme structure depends on the student's previous qualification and selected subject.

• 180-point pathway: normally 1 to 1.5 years, comprising approved 500-level or higher study. Students admitted through the standard bachelor's-degree pathway must complete at least 60 points in their chosen subject, including a research methods paper such as ALPSS500 or an approved equivalent, and at least 45 points from the relevant advanced-study papers.
• 120-point pathway: normally 1 year and designed primarily as a research-oriented master's pathway for students entering with an appropriate Honours degree or postgraduate qualification.
• Students can normally take a limited number of points outside their main MA subject, subject to the programme regulations.
• The exact papers and research requirements depend on the selected discipline and the student's admission pathway.

Academic entry generally requires a recognised bachelor's degree with the required academic performance in a relevant subject. The MA regulations specify a B average at 300 level for the relevant bachelor's pathway; applicants entering with an Honours degree or postgraduate diploma normally require at least second-class honours or a B average respectively. Equivalent qualifications may be considered by the Academic Board.

Discipline / Specialisation

The Master of Arts provides a broad range of subject options. Current MA subjects listed in the University regulations include:

• Anthropology
• Chinese
• English
• French
• Geography
• History
• International Relations
• Japanese
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Screen and Media Studies
• Social Policy
• Sociology
• Theatre Studies
• Maori and Indigenous Studies
• Pacific and Indigenous Studies

The programme also highlights dedicated study options such as MA in International Relations and MA in Psychology. Availability of particular subjects, papers and locations can vary according to the academic year and programme requirements.

Programme Highlights

The Master of Arts combines advanced academic study with practical and transferable skills that can be applied in professional settings.

• Advanced study at 500 level or above.
• Development of independent research capability.
• Strong emphasis on critical analysis, communication and evidence-based argument.
• Ability to evaluate research methodologies and interpret qualitative and quantitative information.
• Opportunities to undertake interdisciplinary study, depending on the subject.
• Industry and professional connections across education, government, cultural organisations, media, creative industries, international organisations and other professional sectors.
• Maori and Indigenous Studies and Pacific and Indigenous Studies provide opportunities to explore Indigenous knowledge, culture, communities and contemporary issues.
• Graduates can also progress to higher research study, including a PhD.

Career Outcomes

The MA develops transferable skills suitable for a wide range of professional and academic careers. Career opportunities vary according to the selected discipline.

Possible career areas and roles include:

• Researcher and research assistant
• Policy analyst or social policy planner
• Public relations and marketing professional
• Media relations adviser
• Journalist and media researcher
• Public affairs specialist
• Cultural adviser
• Community development worker
• Historian
• Museum curator or heritage researcher
• International marketing or diplomatic roles
• Interpreter or translator
• Education and communications-related roles
• Further postgraduate research and academic careers

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students who are not New Zealand or Australian citizens or permanent residents generally need a valid New Zealand student visa to study the programme.

• Most international students studying the MA will normally apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa.
• The student visa must name the University of Waikato as the place of study.
• Students need an Offer of Place and evidence of tuition-fee payment as part of the visa process.
• Applicants should meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements for funds, health, character, insurance and other supporting documentation where applicable.
• Students should apply for the appropriate visa before commencing study and maintain valid visa conditions throughout their programme.
• International students must also meet the University's academic and English-language requirements.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme offers both 120-point and 180-point pathways, with March and July intakes.
• 2027 international tuition estimates are approximately NZD $41,559–$48,216 for 120 points and NZD $62,339–$72,324 for 180 points.
• Admission is subject to the academic requirements of the selected MA subject; some disciplines may have additional prerequisites or subject-specific requirements.
• Certain subjects may require an appropriate undergraduate background, research preparation or availability of suitable supervision.
• International applicants must satisfy both academic and English-language requirements; additional documents may be requested during the application process.
• Scholarship availability, values and closing dates can vary, so students should check the current scholarship opportunities after submitting their application.
• The University advises that tuition fees are indicative and the final amount depends on the papers selected.