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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters .

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2025 Semester One08 December 202403 March 202530 June 2025
2025 Semester Two04 July 202521 July 202517 November 2025
2026 Semester One02 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two20 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on 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.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a major in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a major in a prerequisite subject listed  for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and completed a major in the prerequisite subject for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 or 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements for one of the specialisations as listed in the Master of Arts Schedule.

b A student who has to complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Arts cannot continue.

c A student who must complete 180 points may include up to 30 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

d Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the relevant Academic Head.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

9 a The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis topic must be approved by the relevant Academic Head or nominee or Postgraduate Committee prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching or Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the relevant Academic Head.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

A student who must complete 180 points may include up to 30 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this or another university.

Academic Integrity

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map