Programme overview
The MLitt is an alternative to the PhD if you already have a masters degree and want to complete a substantial research project.
You can complete an MLitt in most subjects offered by the Faculty of Arts, subject to approval and availability of supervision. You can further your research interests in the same subject as your first masters degree, or undertake research in a new area.
Programme structure
- 120-point thesis
- One year of full-time study or up to two years of consecutive part-time study
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Development Studies
- Drama
- Education
- Employment Relations and Organisational Studies
- English
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Logic and Computation
- Media and Screen Studies
- Museums and Cultural Heritage
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Screen Production
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theological and Religion Studies
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
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Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
Masters degree
Further programme requirements
Research 120 points
You need to have completed a masters degree in any discipline with first or second class honours.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
Masters degree
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QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Research 120 points
You need to have completed a masters degree in any discipline from a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 4.0 or higher.
How much does a Master of Literature cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80 – $10,018.80*
- International students
- NZ$41,180 – $52,842*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
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Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
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Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
An MLitt could be useful for a range of academic or professional careers, especially if you don’t want to undertake doctoral study.
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?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513