Why Study/Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (PGCertArts) at Massey University is a 60-credit postgraduate qualification designed primarily for students who already have an undergraduate arts background and want to continue into postgraduate-level study. Massey describes it as equivalent to the first half of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts and as a useful starting point for students considering further postgraduate study.

Key benefits include:

• Develops advanced critical-thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Allows students to deepen knowledge in an existing arts/humanities/social-sciences subject.
• Provides a shorter postgraduate qualification before progressing to a Postgraduate Diploma or master's degree.
• Offers a flexible programme structure based on courses from approved postgraduate arts subjects.
• Can support professional development as well as preparation for further academic study.
• Massey positions postgraduate arts study as relevant to complex social, cultural and professional issues and to developing creative approaches to problem-solving.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The PGCertArts requires 60 credits of postgraduate-level arts study.

The regulations state that students select courses from a single approved major, endorsement or subject contained in the schedules to the:

• Bachelor of Arts with Honours
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Master of Arts.

Examples of arts subject areas available through Massey's wider postgraduate arts portfolio include:

• English
• History
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Relations
• Media Studies
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Development Studies
• International Relations-related study
• M?ori and Indigenous studies
• Languages and cultural studies.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The PGCertArts does not operate as one single subject-specific qualification. Instead, it allows students to undertake 60 credits within an approved arts subject/major/endorsement.

Therefore, the discipline or specialisation depends on the student's previous bachelor's major and intended postgraduate subject.

Possible subject areas include fields within:

• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Languages
• Culture
• Media and communication
• Politics and international relations
• Development studies
• Philosophy
• History
• English and related literary studies.

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate qualification at NZQF Level 8.
• 60 credits.
• Normally achievable in one semester full-time.
• Flexible part-time option.
• Builds directly on an appropriate Bachelor of Arts background.
• Requires a major in the intended postgraduate subject.
• Provides a shorter route into postgraduate-level arts study.
• Equivalent to the first half of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
• Can provide a progression route into the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts and subsequently master's-level study.
• Develops critical thinking, communication and problem-solving capabilities.
• Allows students to focus on a single approved postgraduate arts subject.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies broad career areas associated with postgraduate Arts study, including:

• Business
• Civil service and defence forces
• Communications
• Public relations and marketing
• Education and professional development
• Health and social services
• Community development
• International business and development
• Policy development and analysis
• Public service
• Research
• Teaching.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current qualification remains a 60-credit NZQF Level 8 postgraduate certificate.
• Entry requires a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent with a major in the intended postgraduate subject.
• Official transcripts from universities other than Massey are required.
• The qualification is flexible rather than having one fixed list of subjects for all students.
• The selected subject must come from an approved postgraduate arts schedule.
• Course availability and delivery can vary by subject, semester and campus.
• Students should check individual course prerequisites before enrolment.
• Massey's general English requirement for postgraduate, sub-doctoral study applies unless the selected qualification/subject specifies a higher standard.
• There is no programme-wide portfolio, interview, GMAT or work-experience requirement stated on the current PGCertArts page.

International Student Visa Requirements

The visa requirement depends on how the student studies.

For a student studying the PGCertArts online from outside New Zealand, a New Zealand student visa is generally not required because the student is not entering New Zealand for study.

For an international student intending to study the qualification physically in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to individual circumstances.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• The required health and character status.
• Genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.