Why Study / Key Benefits

The Diploma in Arts (Philosophy) at Massey University is a flexible undergraduate qualification that allows students to develop philosophical reasoning alongside broader arts subjects. Philosophy at Massey focuses on questioning assumptions, analysing arguments, understanding complex ideas and communicating reasoning clearly.

Key benefits include:

• Development of critical and analytical thinking.
• Training in constructing, evaluating and communicating arguments.
• Ability to examine assumptions rather than simply memorising information.
• Exposure to major philosophical questions concerning knowledge, reality, ethics, justice, religion and the mind.
• Flexibility to combine Philosophy with other subjects through the Diploma in Arts structure.
• A potential pathway into the Bachelor of Arts, because completed Diploma in Arts courses can be transferred to the BA subject to Massey's applicable rules.
• Study is available both on campus and through distance/online learning, which provides flexibility for international students.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Diploma in Arts is designed to be flexible. Students completing the Philosophy endorsement combine the Philosophy courses with compulsory arts courses and an elective.

The Philosophy subject area includes courses such as:

• 134101 Knowledge and Reality – 15 credits
• 134102 Great Thinkers – 15 credits
• 134104 Ethics and Justice – 15 credits
• 134105 Philosophy of Religion: God, Freedom and Evil – 15 credits
• 134106 Justice and Equality – 15 credits.

Knowledge and Reality introduces questions concerning:

• Existence
• Perception
• The mind
• Knowledge and reality.

Great Thinkers examines the ideas of influential Western philosophers, including:

• Socrates
• Plato
• Descartes
• Mill
• Other major philosophical thinkers.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Diploma in Arts can be completed:

• With a Philosophy endorsement.
• Without an endorsement.

The Philosophy endorsement is one of the formally approved Diploma in Arts endorsements.

Massey's current Diploma in Arts regulations list a broad range of other endorsements, including:

• Chinese
• Classical Studies
• Creative Writing
• Defence Studies
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Geography
• History
• Indigenous Psychologies
• Linguistics
• Maori Studies
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Public and Professional Writing
• Security Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Social Policy
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Statistics
• Te Reo Maori
• Theatre Studies.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF level 5.
• 120 credits.
• Normally completed in 1 year full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Philosophy endorsement available.
• Flexible Diploma in Arts structure.
• Auckland, Manawata and Distance/online options listed for Philosophy.
• Open to international students studying on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Can provide a pathway toward a Bachelor of Arts.
• Diploma courses can transfer to the BA if the student subsequently proceeds to that qualification, subject to Massey's applicable requirements.
• Develops transferable critical-thinking, communication, reasoning and analytical skills.
• Philosophy courses address major questions concerning knowledge, reality, ethics, justice, religion and the mind.

Career Outcomes

Massey specifically identifies the following career areas for Philosophy Diploma graduates:

• Administration
• Advertising
• Journalism
• Management
• Policy analysis
• Research.

The broader Diploma in Arts develops transferable capabilities that can also support careers in:

• Communications
• Public relations
• Business
• Policy development and analysis
• Project management
• Research
• Human resources
• International business
• Media
• Education and related fields.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme page confirms that Philosophy remains an approved Diploma in Arts specialisation.
• The programme is currently available to international students both on campus in New Zealand and online from outside New Zealand.
• Course availability can vary by year, semester, campus and mode. Students should confirm the intended Philosophy course schedule before enrolment.
• Students should select prerequisite courses carefully if they intend to progress to higher-level Philosophy courses. Massey specifically advises students to include prerequisites for the next level of study in their planning.
• The Diploma can be used as a pathway to the BA, with Diploma courses transferable to the BA subject to the relevant rules.
• No portfolio, interview or Philosophy-specific entrance test is stated for admission.
• No specific prior Philosophy qualification is required.
• Specific M?ori-language or other subject prerequisites: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

There are two different situations for an international student.

If studying on campus in New Zealand:

The normal immigration route is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa:

• Costs from NZD 850.
• Can allow a stay of up to 4 years, depending on the circumstances.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship.
• Requires sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet the applicable health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Is applied for online.