Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
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

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.

Subjects available in this programme

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

2025 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.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0
  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in your intended subject, with a GPA of 5 or higher over the programme.

Some subjects have specific courses that you need to have completed. You can find these in the MA Schedule.

You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts, including the prerequisites for your intended subject, as detailed in the MA Schedule, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in that subject.

Prerequisites are usually a major in your intended subject, but some subjects have more specific requirements.

If you are one course away from completing your BA, you may be able to complete this course during the first semester of your 180-point MA study.

In exceptional circumstances, if you have at least three years of extensive, relevant, practical, professional or scholarly experience deemed equivalent to BA/BA(Hons)/PGArts the Senate or its representative may approve your admission.

You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in your intended subject, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher over the programme.

You must also have an approved thesis topic and supervisor. Some subjects may require a higher GPA for enrolment into the thesis.

Some subjects have specific courses that you need to have completed, you can find these in the MA Schedule.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Arts.

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 option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5
    • No bands less than 6.0.
    • Translation Studies specialisation has a higher requirement.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a postgraduate qualification, following an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a similar discipline to your intended subject. You will require a GPE of 5.0.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a similar discipline to your intended subject. You will require a GPE of 5.0.

You must have completed a postgraduate qualification, following an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a similar discipline to your intended subject. You will require a GPE of 5.0.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the GPE requirement, the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Arts.

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

How much does a Master of Arts cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,860.80 – $10,963.20*
International students
NZ$41,594 – $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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

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

Key dates

Semester Two admission may not be available for some subjects.

Applications for the MA in Psychology close on 1 December.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

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

Further study options

See all study options

Graduate career: Rebecca Ramsay

Rebecca Ramsay uses the skills from her Master of Arts to promote and protect archaeological sites.

Read more

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?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513