Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) is designed for students who want to extend their undergraduate major through advanced postgraduate study in an arts or humanities subject.
• Massey describes the qualification as suitable for students interested in advanced study or research and for those wanting to develop a distinctive academic or professional profile.
• Study develops communication, critical-thinking, research, analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied across different industries and professional environments.
• Students can select an endorsement and focus their 120 credits on a specific discipline rather than completing a general arts programme.
• The qualification can provide a pathway into further postgraduate study, including the Master of Arts, subject to the relevant master's admission requirements.
• Massey allows international students to study the qualification on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGDipArts is not one fixed subject programme. Students complete a 120-credit endorsement in their chosen discipline.

Examples of current subject areas and topics include:

• Defence and Security Studies: national security, terrorism, violent extremism, radicalisation, strategic environments and advanced social-science research methods.
• Economics: economic theory, econometrics and analytics, international monetary economics and contemporary economic issues.
• Education: Pacific education, digital education, learning and pedagogical practices, educational change and contemporary education issues.
• English: advanced literary theory, literary interpretation, literary research, research communication and critical/creative research.
• Geography: human geography, geographical theory and methodology, GIS principles and applications, spatial data and research design.
• Geospatial Science: advanced spatial analysis and technical/geospatial applications.
• History: advanced historiography, historical methodology and independent historical research.
• Media Studies: advanced film studies, media and cultural studies research, modern fiction, popular culture and media.
• Philosophy: philosophical research, advanced philosophical topics, philosophical texts, philosophical inquiry and research reports.
• Psychology: advanced postgraduate Psychology study, subject to the additional entry requirement.
• Social Anthropology: advanced study of human behaviour, interactions and social/cultural systems.
• Sociology: advanced sociological knowledge, research and analytical competencies.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification regulations currently identify these PGDipArts endorsements:

• Defence and Security Studies
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Geography
• Geospatial Science
• History
• Maori Studies
• Media Studies
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Social Anthropology
• Social Policy
• Sociology.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 120 credits.
• Normally completed in 1 year full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Flexible subject-based structure.
• 120-credit endorsement is compulsory.
• Multiple arts and humanities disciplines are available.
• Selected endorsements are available through Auckland and/or Manawat.
• Many endorsements are available by distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• The qualification can support progression to master's-level study, including the Master of Arts where the applicable entry requirements are met.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a broad range of career areas for arts graduates with postgraduate qualifications, including:

• Civil service and defence
• Communications, public relations and marketing
• Education and professional development
• Health, social services and community development
• International business and development
• Policy development and analysis
• Public service
• Business
• Research and teaching. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current PGDipArts remains a Level 8, 120-credit postgraduate qualification.
• A 120-credit endorsement is compulsory.
• Applicants normally need a BA with a major in the intended postgraduate subject and a B- average or above.
• Psychology has the additional requirement of a Psychology major and at least a B- average in the 300-level Psychology specialisation courses.
• Verified official transcripts from all non-Massey universities are required.
• Maori Studies and Politics and International Relations are identified in the regulations but are currently marked as not accepting new enrolments.
• The current programme webpage displays the active endorsements available to prospective students; individual course availability should still be confirmed for the intended intake.
• The qualification can potentially be completed with Merit or Distinction where the applicable postgraduate completion and academic requirements are satisfied.
• IPU-specific partnership details, application arrangements and programme-specific funding information are Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU. The IPU link supplied in the request is currently for IPU's Master of Global Business rather than the PGDipArts.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student travelling to New Zealand to study the PGDipArts on campus, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to individual circumstances.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of the ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Compliance with any attendance and satisfactory academic-progress requirements attached to the student visa.