The Master of Arts (MA) in History is a postgraduate qualification designed for students who want to specialise deeply in historical research.

It focuses on:

• Advanced historical research methods
• Global, Mori, Pacific, and New Zealand history
• Political, cultural, and social history
• Independent thesis-based research

Students explore how the past shapes modern societies and develop expert-level research skills.

Why Study History – Master of Arts at Massey?

• Study History at an advanced postgraduate research level
• Work closely with expert academic supervisors
• Focus on a specialised research topic of your choice
• Strong emphasis on Mori and New Zealand history
• Develop high-level academic writing and analytical skills
• Gain internationally transferable research expertise
• Flexible study options (including distance learning for international students)
• Excellent pathway into PhD and academic careers

You can study topics like:

• Mori history
• Military history
• Medieval history
• 20th-century global history 

Subjects / Topics Offered

Students can specialise in advanced historical research areas such as:

Core Research Areas

• New Zealand History
• Mori History
• Pacific History
• Military History
• Medieval History
• Modern Global History

Thematic Research Areas

• Colonialism and postcolonial studies
• Political history
• Cultural and social history
• Economic history
• War and conflict studies

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

The MA (History) is a single-subject research degree, but students may focus on:

• Indigenous histories (Mori & Pacific)
• Global history
• Political history
• Cultural and social transformation studies
• Military and strategic history

Career Outcomes

A Master of Arts (History) leads to advanced careers such as:

Academia & Research

• University lecturer (with PhD progression)
• Researcher
• Academic writer

Government & Policy

• Policy analyst
• Research advisor
• Public sector historian

Heritage & Culture

• Archivist
• Museum curator
• Heritage consultant

Media & Communication

• Historical writer
• Journalist
• Documentary researcher

International Organisations

• Cultural advisor
• Research specialist roles

Highlights of the Programme

• One of NZ’s strongest History research degrees
• Deep focus on Mori, Pacific, and global history
• Strong supervision-based learning model
• Flexible distance study option for international students
• Advanced research and thesis training
• Direct pathway to PhD study
• Opportunity to specialise in a highly focused topic

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Admission is research-supervisor dependent
• Strong emphasis on independent thesis work
• Must maintain progression grades (B+ for research pathway entry rules)
• Thesis is split into structured parts with formal grading
• Students must submit and defend high-level academic research
• Some topics may require ethics approval (especially cultural research)

Visa Requirements (International Students)

To study in New Zealand, students must have:

• Valid New Zealand Student Visa
• Offer of Place from Massey University
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Medical & travel insurance
• English proficiency proof
• Police/health checks if required