The Master of Arts (Thesis), abbreviated MA(Thesis), is a research-focused postgraduate qualification at the University of Canterbury. It consists of a substantial 120-point thesis in a selected Arts subject and is intended for students who want to undertake original research, develop advanced research capability, and potentially continue to doctoral study. UC currently lists the qualification as available to international students.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Research-intensive master's qualification centred on a substantial original thesis.
• Opportunity to contribute new knowledge within the chosen Arts discipline.
• Develops advanced academic research, critical analysis, independent investigation and scholarly writing skills.
• Students become part of UC's postgraduate research culture within the Faculty of Arts.
• UC provides access to research centres in the humanities and social sciences.
• The qualification can provide a pathway towards PhD study in the student's subject.
• With permission from the Dean of Postgraduate Research, a student may apply to transfer the master's thesis to a PhD.
• The qualification is particularly suitable for students interested in academic research, policy, analysis, cultural studies, social sciences, humanities and research-related professional careers. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MA(Thesis) has a very different structure from a taught master's degree.

Students complete:

• One 120-point thesis.
• The thesis is undertaken in the selected subject.
• The research is substantial and original.
• The work is completed under academic supervision.

Disciplines / Specialisations

UC currently lists the following subjects for the MA(Thesis):

• Anthropology
• Art History
• Art Theory
• Child and Family Psychology
• Chinese
• Cinema Studies, as an English major
• Classics
• Cultural Studies
• Economics
• Education
• English
• European Studies
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Human Services
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• M?ori and Indigenous Studies
• Mathematics
• Media and Communication
• Music
• Pacific Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology
• Russian
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Statistics
• Te Reo Maori.

Programme Highlights

• Qualification: Master of Arts (Thesis).
• Level: NZQCF Level 9.
• Total points: 120.
• Study type: Research master's.
• Thesis: 120 points.
• Full-time duration: usually 1–2 years.
• Part-time duration: up to 4 years.
• Start: first day of any month.
• Wide choice of Arts disciplines.
• Original research is the central component.
• Access to UC's Faculty of Arts postgraduate research environment.
• Potential progression to PhD study.
• Potential thesis-to-PhD transfer with the required approval. 

Career Outcomes

The MA(Thesis) is primarily a research and advanced academic qualification rather than a vocational qualification leading to one specific occupation.

UC identifies postgraduate study as providing benefits such as:

• Specialist knowledge.
• Enhanced subject expertise.
• Research capability.
• Evidence of high academic attainment and self-discipline.
• Potential access to occupations requiring advanced qualifications.
• Improved career progression opportunities.

Depending on the subject and research expertise, graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:

• Research
• Policy
• Government and public-sector analysis
• Education and academia
• Communications and media
• Cultural organisations
• International relations
• Social research
• Heritage and museums
• Publishing
• Community and human services
• Data/statistical analysis for relevant subjects
• Further doctoral research

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 UC programme page confirms that:

• The qualification remains a 120-point research master's.
• Students can commence on the first day of any month.
• Full-time study normally takes 1–2 years.
• Part-time study can extend to 4 years.
• The programme has been listed with international tuition fees for 2026–2028.
• The 2027 UC International Prospectus is now available.
• Child and Family Psychology has additional admission requirements.
• One or more courses in the degree may require vaccinations; applicants should check the specific course requirements.
• English-language requirements apply where English is not the student's first language.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student studying the MA(Thesis) in New Zealand normally needs an appropriate New Zealand student visa, subject to their individual circumstances.

Immigration New Zealand's current Fee Paying Student Visa requirements include evidence of:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Payment or ability to pay tuition fees, as applicable.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Acceptable insurance arrangements.
• Outward travel or funds for outward travel.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Any required health or character evidence.