Why Study / Key Benefits

Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) in Philosophy is designed for students who want advanced study of philosophical questions and research methods. The programme develops critical thinking, the ability to assess whether arguments are rationally compelling, and the ability to construct persuasive arguments. Massey also highlights the usefulness of these skills in professional and everyday contexts, including evaluating information and arguments encountered in news and online content.

The qualification is particularly suited to students who:

• want to take a first step towards a Master of Arts in Philosophy
• want to remain engaged with current philosophical discussions
• want to investigate a particular area of philosophy
• want to develop advanced analytical, research and argumentation skills

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Philosophy endorsement requires 120 credits.

The official regulations identify the following courses:

• 134710 Philosophical Research – 30 credits. Covers key issues in philosophical research and the development of a philosophical research project.
• 134740 Advanced Study of Philosophical Topics – 30 credits. Covers selected advanced philosophical topics from areas including epistemology, metaphysics, theories of mind and value theory.
• 134750 Advanced Study of Philosophical Texts – 30 credits. Provides detailed examination of selected philosophical texts at an advanced level.
• 134760 Advanced Philosophical Inquiry – 30 credits. Provides advanced study in an area of current philosophical research.
• 134798 Research Report (30) – 30 credits. Supervised independent study.
• 134799 Research Report (60) – 60 credits. Supervised independent study. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme's formal endorsement is:

Philosophy.

Within the Philosophy curriculum, students can engage with areas such as:

• epistemology
• metaphysics
• theories of mind
• value theory
• philosophical texts
• philosophical research
• current philosophical inquiry.

Programme Highlights

Key programme features include:

• 120-credit postgraduate qualification
• Philosophy endorsement
• advanced study of philosophical topics and texts
• compulsory philosophical research component
• independent research/report opportunities
• development of critical thinking and argumentation skills
• pathway toward further postgraduate Philosophy study, including the Master of Arts.

Career Outcomes

Philosophy develops transferable capabilities rather than preparing graduates for only one occupation. Massey identifies broad career fields for postgraduate Arts graduates including:

• public service
• policy development and analysis
• communications, public relations and marketing
• education and professional development
• health, social services and community development
• international business and development
• business
• research and teaching
• civil service and defence-related work.

International Student Visa Requirements

There is an important distinction for this programme.

Massey currently states that international students can study the Philosophy PGDipArts online from outside New Zealand.

Therefore, an international student who remains outside New Zealand and completes the qualification entirely online would generally not need a New Zealand student visa merely to undertake this online study.

If Massey subsequently requires or permits a student to undertake study physically in New Zealand, the applicable visa requirements would need to be assessed separately. For study in New Zealand for more than three months, Immigration New Zealand identifies the Fee Paying Student Visa as the principal student visa route.

For 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 evidence of an applicable scholarship
• sufficient funds for living costs
• acceptable medical and travel insurance
• evidence of a genuine reason for study
• evidence that the applicant can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay
• health and character requirements where applicable.