- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Undergraduate
Programme overview
If you already have a degree and want to take Arts courses, this flexible diploma might just be for you.
You could use the diploma to qualify for postgraduate study by taking courses in the subject of your choice at intermediate and advanced undergraduate level.
It is also a way that you can study a specific subject to complement your existing qualifications and further your personal or professional development.
Programme structure
- This programme consists of 120 points from Arts courses.
- At least 75 points (five courses) must be at Stage III or above.
- 60 points must be from one of the available majors (subjects), including 45 points at Stage III for that major. Refer to the 'Subjects' page for more information.
- The programme is equivalent to two semesters of full-time study and must be completed within four years.
- Postgraduate courses can be included.
- You might be able to include a dissertation.
- If you're planning to qualify for postgraduate study, you should carefully check the entry requirements for the programme you're hoping to enter.
- Please see the University of Auckland Calendar Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Arts
Enrolling in your courses
If you're completing a GradDipArts, we will usually waive the prerequisites for your courses (excluding most languages and some other specialised courses). If you need the prerequisites for your courses to be waived you should apply for an enrolment concession.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year one 120 points
-
- Name:
- Stage I or II course
- Type:
- Course for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I or II course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I or II course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Course for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Course for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Course for major
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage III course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Majors available in this programme
- Academic English Studies and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Arts
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Classical Studies and Ancient History
- Communication
- Criminology
- Drama
- Economics
- Education
- Employment Relations and Organisation Studies
- English
- European Studies
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Logic and Computation
- Mathematics
- Media and Screen Studies
- Music
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- TESOL
- Theological and Religious Studies
2024 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline from a recognised university (or similar institution).
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
You will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency if you are:
- An international applicant whose first language is not English
- A domestic applicant under 20 years of age whose first language is not English
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
How much does a Graduate Diploma in Arts cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,742.40 – $10,963.20*
- International students
- NZ$39,995 – $50,810*
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
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
- Summer School 2025
- 1 December 2024
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Summer School | Starts – 4 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 14 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 19 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
| 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?
You can supplement your undergraduate degree with the courses you need to follow a specific career path or enhance your professional development. If you’re looking to step up into one of our postgraduate programmes, the graduate diploma is a useful way for you to get there.
Graduate career: Ruby Satele
Ruby Satele is pursuing her lifelong fascination with cultural heritage caring for the Pacific ethnology collection and its tāonga at Auckland Museum.
Read moreStudent 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.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
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