Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop advanced knowledge of social anthropology and contemporary anthropological debates.
• Examine different cultures and ethnic groups and develop a comparative understanding of human behaviour and ways of living.
• Investigate a particular area of social anthropology in greater depth through independent study.
• Develop advanced research, critical-analysis and ethnographic-writing skills.
• Study fieldwork approaches used by anthropologists to investigate societies ranging from hunter-gatherer communities to industrial nation-states.
• Massey notes that its staff and students conduct anthropological research in Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa and New Zealand.
• The qualification can provide a pathway towards further postgraduate study, including the Master of Arts in Social Anthropology, subject to meeting the master's entry requirements. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGDipArts (Social Anthropology) requires 120 credits.

The current structure is:

• 30 credits from the designated research-methods course
• 90 credits from the listed Social Anthropology subject courses.

Research methods

Students choose:

• 230707 Social Science Research Design and Practice – 30 credits

This course covers advanced critical social-science methodology, including:

• epistemology
• data generation
• data analysis
• research ethics
• research methodology in and beyond Aotearoa New Zealand.

Social Anthropology subject courses

Students choose 90 credits from the following:

• 146701 Contemporary Approaches in Anthropological Theory – 30 credits
  • Current theoretical issues and debates in social anthropology.
• 146707 Reading and Writing Ethnography – 30 credits
  • Contemporary ethnographies and development of students' own ethnographic-writing practices.
• 146708 Anthropology Today: Current Issues – 30 credits
  • Current issues, topics and debates in social anthropology based on contemporary anthropological literature.
• 146798 Research Report (60) – 60 credits
  • Independent research/report option.
• 146799 Research Report (30) – 30 credits
  • Independent research/report option.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme-specific specialisation is:

• Social Anthropology – 120-credit endorsement.

The wider PGDipArts currently offers endorsements in:

• 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

• 120-credit postgraduate qualification at NZQF Level 8.
• One year of full-time study.
• Study available at Auckland, Manawat or through distance and online learning.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Advanced study of anthropological theory and contemporary debates.
• Dedicated postgraduate research-methodology training.
• Development of ethnographic reading and writing skills.
• Research-report options allow students to undertake independent research.
• The programme can provide a pathway towards the Master of Arts in Social Anthropology, subject to master's admission requirements.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that the knowledge of human behaviour and interactions gained through the qualification can be applied across a wide range of career paths.

Career areas identified by Massey include:

• human rights and social justice
• social work
• social and commercial research
• education
• business and industry
• government, diplomacy and policy
• foreign affairs
• overseas aid and development agencies
• health care
• non-profit management
• marketing
• publishing
• environmental issues
• museum curation
• art and heritage
• tourism.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current Massey regulations identify Social Anthropology as an active PGDipArts endorsement.
• The qualification requires 120 credits and completion of the Social Anthropology endorsement.
• The current course structure includes 230707 Social Science Research Design and Practice plus 90 credits selected from advanced Social Anthropology courses.
• Applicants normally need a BA with a major in the intended postgraduate subject or an equivalent qualification and a B- or higher average is normally expected.
• Official transcripts from universities other than Massey must be provided.
• No separate portfolio, interview or work-experience requirement is specified on the current Social Anthropology programme page.
• Course availability can change, so students should confirm the courses available in their intended semester before finalising their study plan.
• Massey recommends international students apply at least three months before their anticipated start date to allow time for application processing and, where relevant, visa and travel arrangements.

International Student Visa Requirements
Studying on campus in New Zealand

An international student physically studying this qualification in New Zealand will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa unless another visa category permits the study.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• have an offer of place from an approved education provider;
• demonstrate sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or have an acceptable scholarship;
• demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor;
• meet health requirements;
• meet character requirements;
• have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study;
• show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay;
• hold appropriate medical and travel insurance.