Program Overview

Diploma in Arts – DipArts

The Diploma in Arts is a qualification that allows students to study what they enjoy and explore subject areas that spark their interest. It consists of 8 courses (120 credits) from the Bachelor of Arts schedule and can be completed with or without an endorsement in a subject area.

Type of Qualification

• Diploma

Level of Study

• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 5

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Diploma in Arts – DipArts

The Diploma in Arts is the first step towards taking a full Bachelor of Arts. Students can complete the diploma without endorsement, sampling different subjects and building a qualification that reflects their own particular interests. Alternatively, they can choose to take an endorsement, specialising in one of 25 subjects from the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Why Study Arts at Massey?

• Passionate and friendly lecturers
• World-class distance learning qualification
• Access to multi-media learning materials

A DipArts is a Good Fit if You:

• Want to take the first step towards a Bachelor of Arts
• Want the flexibility to follow your passions
• Have wide-ranging interests

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey: All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Specific requirements: There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
• English language requirements: To study this qualification, students must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

• For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact us.

English Language Skills

• If students need help with their English language skills before starting university, they can take English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Official Regulations

• To understand what students need to study and must complete to graduate, they should read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

Structure of the Diploma in Arts

• If students study full-time, they will take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in 1 year, or 60 credits per semester.
• They may be able to take some courses at summer school.
• Make sure they include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses they wish to study.

Courses and Specialisations

• The Diploma in Arts may be completed with or without an endorsement.
• Regardless of whether students complete the diploma with or without an endorsement, if they later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in their Diploma in Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits.
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let students choose what subject they'd like to specialise in.

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • No endorsement option:
    • Core courses – 30 credits
    • Courses from the Schedule – 60 credits
    • Electives – 30 credits
  • Endorsement option:
    • Core courses – 30 credits
    • Courses from 1 endorsement – 60 credits
    • Elective – 30 credits

Schedule A: Compulsory Courses

• Choose 30 credits from:
  • Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry (15 credits)
  • Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking (15 credits)

Schedule B: BA Core Courses

• Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ (15 credits)
• Tū Rangaranga: Global Encounters (15 credits)
• Tū Tira Mai: Practising Engagement (15 credits)

Schedule C: Endorsements

• Students may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation (endorsement).
• Endorsements available:
  • Chinese
  • Classical Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • Defence Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Psychology
  • Education
  • Emergency Management
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Indigenous Psychologies
  • Japanese
  • Linguistics
  • Māori Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Security Studies
  • Social Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Te Reo Māori
  • Without Specialisation

Schedule D: Elective Courses

• Incident Command Systems (15 credits)
• Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori (15 credits)
• Pacific Peoples in New Zealand (15 credits)
• English for Academic Purposes for Speakers of Other Languages (15 credits)
• Academic Writing in English for Speakers of Other Languages (15 credits)
• Advanced Biosecurity (15 credits)

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $7,415 – $8,420
  • International students: $34,220 – $42,300
• Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme: Students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying their fees.
• Scholarship and award opportunities: Search our scholarships and awards.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Employers need people who can thrive in an ever-changing labour market and effectively challenge and critique new encounters.
• The arts can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
  • Advertising
  • Aid and disaster relief workers
  • Business managers
  • Communications
  • Conflict resolution
  • Customs/immigration officers
  • Defence forces
  • Disaster relief
  • Education
  • Family therapists
  • Foreign affairs
  • Human resources
  • International business
  • Media production
  • Mental health practitioners
  • Novelists
  • Peacekeeping
  • Policy development and analysis
  • Politics
  • Project management
  • Public relations
  • Research managers
  • Risk management
  • School principals
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Special education needs
  • Specialist teachers
  • Speechwriters
  • Teaching English overseas
  • Translation
  • Travel and hospitality.