Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

The MA offers you a range of choices. There are research and taught degrees, one-year or 18-month options depending on your entry qualification, and more than 40 subjects for study. Your academic background may enable you to study a subject different to that of your previous specialisation.

The research masters gives you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the  knowledge in your field by completing a substantial research project under the supervision of some of New Zealand’s leading scholars.

In a taught masters you can deepen your knowledge in small classes, enjoy close interaction with academic staff, and complete a smaller research project.

Programme structure

A 120- or 180-point programme with research and taught options, depending on your chosen subject. The structure of your programme depends on the subject that you are studying.

Taught (180-point)

The Taught 180-point Master of Arts was introduced for Semester 1, 2022. 

  • Enter from an undergraduate degree
  • Advanced taught courses
  • A dissertation worth 60 points
  • One and a half years full-time or up to six years part-time

Research (120-point)

  • Enter from a postgraduate degree
  • Usually consists of a 120-point thesis or research portfolio
  • Some subjects offer a combination of a 90-point thesis and 30 points from taught courses
  • You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects
  • One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time

Taught (120-point)*

  • Enter from a postgraduate degree
  • Advanced taught courses
  • A small research project such as a dissertation, usually worth 45 points
  • You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects
  • One year full-time or up to two consecutive years part-time
  • Only available in selected subjects

*The 120-point Taught MA is currently suspended.

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The MA is an effective way to develop your knowledge and transferable skills to an advanced level. Our graduates have taken their capabilities in strategic and critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness into careers in government, international development, museums and cultural heritage, research and policy.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Archaeologist
  • Content and advertising manager
  • Development officer
  • Museum director
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Research, evaluation and policy lead
  • Research associate
  • Strategy and stakeholder manager

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Do you need help?

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0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513