EzyApply

Master of Arts – MA

Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Arts (MA) at Massey University is a 180-credit postgraduate qualification designed for advanced study and research in the humanities and social sciences.
It allows students to develop advanced communication, critical-thinking, research and problem-solving skills while specialising in a subject of their choice.
Students can choose between a Coursework Pathway, incorporating a 60-credit research report, and a Research Pathway, incorporating a 90- or 120-credit thesis.
The programme is suitable for students who want to deepen their academic knowledge, develop research expertise, address complex social and cultural issues, or prepare for professional or further doctoral study.
Massey describes the MA as particularly suited to students who want to challenge existing ideas, develop solutions to complex problems and work across changing global environments.
International students can study on campus in New Zealand or, where the selected subject permits it, study online from outside New Zealand

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MA is a parts-based qualification. Students complete Part One before progressing to Part Two. The precise courses depend on the selected subject.

The current approved MA subjects are:

Examples of current subject content include:

Defence and Security Studies: Social Science Research Design and Practice, New Zealand National Security, followed by a research report or thesis.
Economics: Research and Analytics in Economics and Finance or Advanced Econometrics, followed by a research report or thesis.
Geography: Foundations in Human Geography, GIS Principles and Applications, Social Science Research Design and Practice, followed by research.
History: Advanced Historiography and Advanced Historical Methodology, followed by a 120-credit thesis.
Journalism: Advanced News Journalism, Advanced Audio-Visual Journalism and Journalism and Society, followed by research.
Philosophy: Philosophical Research, Advanced Study of Philosophical Topics, Advanced Study of Philosophical Texts and Advanced Philosophical Inquiry, followed by a research report or thesis.
Other subjects similarly combine advanced subject-specific coursework with a substantial research report or thesis.

Coursework Pathway:

Research Pathway:

Progression is performance-based:

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MA requires students to complete one subject. The current subjects are:

Important current availability note:

Programme Highlights

NZQF Level 9 Master’s degree.
180 credits.
Approximately 1.5 years full-time.
Coursework and Research Pathways available.
60-credit research report option.
90- or 120-credit thesis options.
Broad humanities and social-science subject choice.
Distance and online options are available for selected subjects.
International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
Advanced entry may allow eligible students to complete the qualification in 120 credits.
Strong emphasis on advanced research, critical analysis and independent study.
Research Pathway can provide a stronger foundation for students considering doctoral-level study.
The MA currently includes 16 approved subject areas, although Politics and International Relations and Social Policy are not accepting new enrolments.

Career Outcomes

Massey describes MA graduates as adaptable and versatile, with potential career opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

Examples listed by Massey include:

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current MA qualification is subject to CUAP approval.
The qualification has a parts-based progression structure; students cannot simply combine 180 credits independently without satisfying Part One and Part Two requirements.
Coursework Pathway progression requires at least a B average over the first 60 credits.
Research Pathway progression requires at least a B+ average over the first 60 credits.
Psychology has additional subject-specific entry requirements.
Politics and International Relations and Social Policy currently state “No new enrolments”.
Some MA courses are offered in block mode and not all courses are available every semester.
Advanced entry may be possible for applicants who already hold specified postgraduate qualifications, subject to Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.
If a thesis is not submitted at the end of the initial Thesis Part Two enrolment, Massey requires re-enrolment and payment of fees each semester until submission.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students physically studying the MA in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship.
Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
Meeting health requirements.
Meeting character requirements.
Demonstrating a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study.
Demonstrating the ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
Students already holding a student visa must meet attendance and satisfactory academic-progress requirements.