The Graduate Diploma in Arts (GradDipArts) is a Level 7 graduate qualification designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to study a new subject area without completing another full undergraduate degree.

This programme allows students to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a chosen arts or humanities discipline and can serve as a pathway to postgraduate study such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts or Master of Arts.

Why Study Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey University?

• Ideal for career changers or students wanting expertise in a new subject area.
• Flexible study structure with multiple specialisations.
• Can lead to postgraduate study opportunities.
• Offers both online and on-campus learning options.
• Strong focus on humanities, communication, critical thinking, and research skills.
• Internationally recognised New Zealand qualification.
• Suitable for students wanting academic advancement without another bachelor’s degree.
• Flexible learning allows students to combine study with work commitments.

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Students may study with or without an endorsement (specialisation).

Major specialisations include:

• Chinese
• Classical Studies
• Creative Writing
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Educational Psychology
• Education
• English
• Environmental Studies
• Geography
• History
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• M?ori Studies
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Security Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Statistics

Subjects / Topics Offered

Subjects vary by specialisation, but students may study areas such as:

• Critical Thinking
• Communication Skills
• Media and Society
• International Relations
• Human Behaviour
• Psychology
• Social Research
• Creative Writing
• Language Studies
• Political Systems
• Environmental Issues
• Statistical Analysis
• Education and Learning
• Sociology and Culture
• Philosophy and Ethics

Example electives include:

• Incident Command Systems
• Global Citizenship
• French Language
• Biosecurity Studies
• Community Engagement

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities depend on the chosen specialisation.

Possible career pathways include:

• Communications Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Research Assistant
• Social Services Worker
• Marketing and Media Roles
• Public Relations Executive
• Community Development Officer
• Journalist or Content Writer
• Educator or Academic Support Roles
• International Relations Assistant
• Human Resources Coordinator

The qualification also provides progression into:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Master of Arts
• Other postgraduate humanities or social science programmes

Highlights of the Programme

• Flexible study structure
• Wide range of humanities and social science specialisations
• Online and distance learning options
• Pathway to postgraduate study
• Suitable for career change and skill diversification
• Strong academic and research preparation
• Internationally recognised qualification
• Ability to study without completing a second bachelor’s degree

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Some specialisations such as Chinese, Economics, Japanese, Mathematics, Spanish, and Statistics require prerequisite 100-level courses before enrolling in advanced courses.
• No 100-level credits can count toward the GradDipArts qualification itself.
• Students needing prerequisite courses may need to complete them separately under a Certificate of Proficiency programme.
• Returning students should check transitional regulations and updated endorsement availability.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying on campus in New Zealand generally require:

• Valid New Zealand Student Visa
• Offer of Place from Massey University
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical insurance
• English language proficiency proof
• Health and character documentation if required