Why Study/Key Benefits

Massey University’s Diploma in Arts (Without Specialisation) is a flexible undergraduate qualification designed for students who want to explore several subject areas rather than commit to one formal endorsement. It can be used as a first step towards a Bachelor of Arts, and Massey confirms that courses completed in the Diploma can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts if the student subsequently progresses to that degree.

Key benefits include:

• Flexibility to choose courses according to your interests.
• Opportunity to study subjects from a wide range of humanities and social-science disciplines, with some courses available from outside these areas.
• Development of communication, critical-thinking, research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A pathway into further Bachelor of Arts study.
• Availability through campus-based and distance/online study.
• The possibility of studying from outside New Zealand online, which can be particularly relevant to international students who do not want to relocate to New Zealand. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification is intentionally flexible rather than being built around a single major.

Core component

Students choose 30 credits from Schedule A. The current regulations identify:

• 230111 T Kupu: Writing and Inquiry – 15 credits
• 230112 T Arohae: Critical Thinking – 15 credits

The current programme page specifically presents 230111 T Kupu: Writing and Inquiry as a Schedule A option. The course develops undergraduate writing, research, argumentation, peer review and revision skills.

230112 T Arohae: Critical Thinking develops foundational analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to describe, evaluate and construct arguments.

Flexible subject component

At least 60 credits are selected from Schedule B, C and/or D according to the Diploma in Arts regulations.

Depending on course availability and prerequisites, students can explore areas such as:

• Languages
• Maori studies and Te Reo M?ori
• Indigenous Psychologies
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social Anthropology
• Social Policy
• Politics and International Relations
• History
• Geography
• Philosophy
• Economics
• Education
• Media Studies
• Communication-related subjects
• Creative Writing
• English
• Classical Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Security Studies
• Development Studies
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Emergency Management
• Public and Professional Writing
• Theatre Studies

Programme Highlights

• NZQF level 5 undergraduate diploma.
• 120-credit qualification.
• Normally completed in one year full-time.
• Eight 15-credit courses.
• Flexible study plan without a formal specialisation.
• Can include subjects from multiple disciplines.
• Available at Auckland and Manawata campuses, plus distance and online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Designed as a possible first step towards a Bachelor of Arts.
• Courses completed in the Diploma can transfer to the Bachelor of Arts, subject to the applicable Bachelor of Arts requirements.
• Develops communication, analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Provides the flexibility to explore academic interests before committing to a longer undergraduate degree. 

Career Outcomes

The Diploma in Arts is broad rather than professionally specialised, so career outcomes depend substantially on the subjects selected and whether the student progresses to further study.

Massey identifies broad career areas associated with its Arts qualifications, including:

• Communications
• Advertising
• Media production
• Public relations
• Education
• International business
• Human resources
• Policy development and analysis
• Project management
• Research management
• Risk management
• Business management
• Foreign affairs
• Defence
• Translation
• Writing and speechwriting
• Travel and hospitality
• Disaster relief and related services. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current qualification is a 120-credit Diploma in Arts at NZQF level 5.
• The Without Specialisation option has no additional programme-specific admission requirement beyond Massey’s university admission requirements.
• Students should plan their courses carefully because individual courses can have prerequisites and may not be available at every campus or in every year.
• The qualification can be studied online from outside New Zealand by international students.
• If a student intends to transfer into the Bachelor of Arts later, course selection should be planned with the Bachelor of Arts regulations in mind.
• Massey recommends international applicants apply at least three months before their intended start date to allow time for application processing and, where relevant, visa and travel arrangements.

International Student Visa Requirements
Students studying on campus in New Zealand

An international student physically studying this programme in New Zealand will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa can allow eligible students to:

• Study full-time at an approved education provider.
• Work up to 25 hours per week while studying, depending on visa conditions.
• Work full-time during eligible scheduled holidays, depending on visa conditions.
• Travel in and out of New Zealand while the visa has valid multiple-entry travel conditions.

Students must have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses and satisfy the applicable health, character and genuine-study requirements.

Living funds

For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of at least:

• NZD $20,000 per year for living costs.

Evidence can include personal funds, an acceptable sponsor, scholarship funding, an education loan or other accepted financial arrangements.

Visa application timing

Immigration New Zealand recommends applying for a student visa at least three months before planned travel because student-visa processing is particularly busy between October and March.

Online study from outside New Zealand

Massey explicitly allows international students to study this Diploma online from outside New Zealand.