Certificate in Arts – CertArts

The Certificate in Arts is a qualification that allows students to study what they enjoy and explore subjects within history, beliefs, societies, languages, and cultures.

Overview

• The Certificate in Arts is a 60-credit qualification that can be completed in 6 months full-time or part-time.
• It is a good choice for students who wish to participate in university study without committing to a large set of courses.
• The certificate can be used as a stepping stone to the Diploma in Arts and from there to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Type of Qualification

• Certificate

Level of Study

• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 5

Time to Complete

• 6 months full-time (60 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Auckland campus
• Distance and online
• Wellington campus
• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

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 Certificate in Arts – CertArts

• If you wish to participate in university study without having to commit to completing a large set of courses, the Certificate in Arts could be right for you.
• It is also a good choice if you wish to take a few interest courses at university level.
• The arts are the study of humanity: our history, beliefs, societies, languages, and cultures.
• They ask questions about how we think, how we communicate, how we live, and how we interact with our environment.

You Choose What You Study

• With a Massey CertArts, you can study what you enjoy and explore subject areas that spark your interest.
• You can choose courses from 30 subject areas in humanities and social sciences.
• You can include courses from different disciplines, including one from outside the humanities and social sciences.

Why Study Arts at Massey?

• Massey offers passionate and friendly lecturers, a world-class distance learning qualification, and access to multi-media learning materials.
• Massey will prepare you to be a free and original thinker who will lead New Zealand into the future and help solve some of our big problems.

Further Study

• The certificate can be used as a stepping stone to the Diploma in Arts, and from there to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

A CertArts is a Good Fit if You:

• Are curious about humanity and have wide-ranging interests
• Want the flexibility to follow your passions
• Would like to take a few courses of interest

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

• All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
• Massey University entry requirements

Specific Requirements

• There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
• English language requirements: To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
• Massey University English language requirements

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
  • Contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English Language Skills

• If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Official Regulations

• To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
• You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University, including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.

Returning Students

• For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available, and the courses you need to take.
• Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

Structure of the Certificate in Arts

• This qualification can be completed in one semester of full-time study or over a longer period of part-time study.

How Do I Move to a Diploma in Arts?

• When you have passed your four courses for the Certificate in Arts, you continue on with your study.
• For your next enrolment, you will enrol under the Diploma in Arts.
• The four courses you completed for the certificate now go towards your diploma.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course.
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit Summary

• 60 credits
  • Courses: 45 credits
  • Elective: 15 credits

Course Planning Key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar.

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $3,707
• International students: $17,110

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

• You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
• The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Search our scholarships and awards

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Employers, industries, and the labour market of the future need people who can thrive in an ever-changing labour market.
• They are looking for those who are able to effectively challenge and critique new encounters.
• Our arts qualifications will develop your interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to ensure you remain agile and able to take on the opportunities the future holds.

Related Study Options

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts – PGCertArts

• Qualification: Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
• Credits: 60
• Location: Auckland campus, Distance and online, Wellington campus, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)
• The Postgraduate Certificate in Arts is your first step towards advanced studies in a subject area of your choice.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.