Why Study / Key Benefits

The UC Master of Arts is a 180-point postgraduate qualification combining advanced taught coursework with independent research through a 60-point dissertation. It is designed for students who want to develop specialist knowledge in an Arts discipline while gaining formal research experience.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study across a broad range of humanities, social sciences and related Arts disciplines.
• A compulsory research-methods component through ARTS401.
• A substantial 60-point dissertation providing independent research experience.
• Opportunity to undertake a Professional and Community Engagement internship through PACE495.
• Access to UC research centres in the humanities and social sciences.
• Potential progression to PhD study after completing the MA.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The core compulsory course is:

• ARTS401 Arts Research and Scholarship: Introduction to Theories and Methods – 30 points.

Students then complete at least 60 points of advanced study in their chosen subject, followed by the 600-level MA Dissertation. The remaining 30 points may be selected from appropriate 400-level courses or PACE495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship.

The approved subject areas currently listed by UC are:

• Anthropology
• Art History
• Chinese
• Classics
• Cultural Studies
• Digital Humanities
• Economics
• English
• European Studies
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Human Services
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• Maori and Indigenous Studies
• Media and Communication
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science and International Relations
• Russian
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Te Reo Maori

Some subjects have compulsory course requirements. For example:

• Anthropology must include ANTH402.
• European Studies must include EURO457 and EURO458.
• French must include FREN401.
• German must include GRMN401 or both GRMN481 and GRMN482.
• Human Services must include HRSV401.
• Japanese must include JAPA414 and JAPA415.
• Maori and Indigenous Studies must include MAOR401.
• Political Science and International Relations must include POLS440 or POLS441.
• Russian must include RUSS409 or both RUSS481 and RUSS482.
• Te Reo Maori must include TREO403 or TREO404.

Disciplines / Specialisations

UC does not present these as formal "specialisations" in the same way as some professional master's degrees. Instead, students select an approved Arts subject in which they undertake their advanced coursework and dissertation.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point postgraduate Arts qualification.
• Combines taught advanced coursework with independent research.
• 30-point compulsory research-methods course.
• 60-point dissertation.
• Wide selection of Arts and social-science disciplines.
• Optional professional/community internship component.
• Access to UC's humanities and social-science research environment.
• February and possible July entry.
• Can be completed in approximately 18 months full-time under the standard three-semester structure.
• Provides a possible pathway to PhD study.

Career Outcomes

The MA can strengthen specialist knowledge, analytical ability, research capability, academic writing and evidence of advanced academic achievement. UC specifically notes benefits such as specialist skills, enhanced knowledge, access to specific occupations, improved career progression, research achievement and evidence of academic attainment.

Career possibilities depend heavily on the selected discipline.

Examples from UC's subject information include:

• English: teaching, publishing, writing, journalism, foreign affairs, diplomacy, policy and governance, public relations, communications, advertising, technology/digital services and community engagement.
• Art History/Theory: museums, conservation, curatorial work, cultural heritage, research, art administration, publishing, journalism and media.
• European Studies: international trade consultancy, foreign affairs, communications and policy analysis.
• Cinema/media-related study: film, radio, television, online newsrooms, social media, online production, communications and teaching.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest UC programme information confirms that the MA remains a 180-point qualification with February and possible July entry. The current published international Special Programme Fee is NZ$57,300 for 2026, NZ$60,300 for 2027 and NZ$63,300 for 2028.

A significant point for international applicants is the distinction between:

• Master of Arts – 180 points, coursework + dissertation
• Master of Arts (Thesis) – 120 points, research-focused thesis programme

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the UC MA in New Zealand, the usual visa is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Online visa application