Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Graduate Diploma in Arts (GradDipArts) is designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to develop substantial study in another arts or social-science subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
• The Without Specialisation option is particularly flexible: students can construct a coherent programme using courses from different Graduate Diploma in Arts specialisation schedules and the approved electives schedule.
• Massey describes the qualification as a bridging qualification that can provide the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a new subject and potentially prepare students for postgraduate study.
• After successfully completing the Graduate Diploma in Arts, students may progress to a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts or Master of Arts, subject to the relevant postgraduate entry requirements.
• The programme can be studied on campus or online from outside New Zealand, giving international students flexibility in how they undertake the qualification.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Without Specialisation pathway does not have one fixed list of subjects. Instead, students construct a coherent 120-credit programme from approved Graduate Diploma in Arts course schedules.

The current regulations allow courses to be selected from the schedules for the available Graduate Diploma in Arts specialisations and from the approved elective schedule.

Depending on the approved study plan, subject areas available across the Graduate Diploma in Arts include areas such as:

• Education
• English
• History
• Linguistics
• Media Studies
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Economics
• Geography
• Development Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Sociology
• Security Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Languages
• Other approved arts and social-science disciplines.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The requested programme is the Without Specialisation version.

Unlike an endorsed Graduate Diploma in Arts, this option allows students to build a coherent combination of courses rather than following one named specialisation. Massey requires the proposed programme to be approved as a coherent study plan.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 7 graduate qualification.
• 120 credits.
• Normally completed in one year full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Can provide substantial study in a new academic discipline without completing another bachelor’s degree.
• Flexible Without Specialisation structure.
• Requires an approved coherent study plan.
• Available at Auckland, Wellington and Manawat.
• Distance/online study is available.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Can potentially provide preparation for further study such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts or Master of Arts, subject to the next qualification's admission requirements.

Career Outcomes

Because the Without Specialisation option allows students to build an individual study plan, Massey does not publish one fixed career list specifically for this version of the qualification.

Career outcomes will depend heavily on the subjects selected. The broader Graduate Diploma in Arts is intended to develop transferable capabilities relevant to humanities and social-science careers. Massey identifies graduate outcomes across areas such as management, research, education and leadership.

Depending on the selected subject area, graduates may use the qualification toward roles or further professional development involving:

• Research
• Education and training
• Communications
• Policy
• Public and community services
• Media and writing
• Business and management
• Government and public-sector work
• Social and cultural organisations
• Further postgraduate study.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The Without Specialisation option currently requires approval of a coherent study plan.
• Applicants must submit official transcripts from universities other than Massey.
• Some 100-level prerequisite rules apply, particularly for Languages, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics.
• Students entering 200-level courses based on previous study at another institution may need to use Massey’s Special Request process.
• Returning students should check the Transitional Provisions because course and specialisation requirements can change.
• The current 2027 general international application deadlines are 31 October 2026 for Semester One and 1 May 2027 for Semester Two.
• Exact 2027 programme tuition fees have not been published on the current programme page: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students physically studying this qualification in New Zealand would generally use the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an eligible scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Good health and character.
• A genuine intention to study.
• Appropriate medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Medical examination/chest X-ray and police certificates where required.