Program Overview

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Master of Arts

The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree helps applicants to build the skills required to work in their chosen field.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time: 180 points, 1.5 years or 120 points, 1 year.

Locations

• The study locations where the qualification is offered: Hamilton, Tauranga.

Area of Study

• This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under:
  • School of Arts
  • School of Law, Politics and Philosophy
  • School of Psychological and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

Start Dates

• Which trimester this qualification can be started in: Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Master of Arts?

Master of Arts under the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences

Are you seeking the ability to think critically and communicate well? A Master of Arts (MA) from Waikato will teach you the skills to work independently and see a major project through to completion. These are characteristics that are highly sought after by employers.

• Our comprehensive MA taught programme (180 points) is open to graduates from a full range of bachelor’s degrees, including:
  • arts
  • education
  • management
  • psychology
  • social sciences or
  • sciences.
• You can select from a large number of different subjects, each designed to meet the needs of today's global job market. These programmes are comprised of taught papers only, meaning that you can improve your career prospects or switch your focus and potential earnings regardless of your previous academic experiences.
• Alternatively, you can enrol in a 120 points research MA which gives you the opportunity to engage in independent (supervised) research in a wide range of subject areas, providing you with a gateway to a higher research degree.

Master of Arts under Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

The recognition of Māori as an official language of Aotearoa has been accompanied by an acknowledgement of tangata whenua issues within the community and society as a whole. The ability to be fluent in both Māori and English has become increasingly important within a number of professional areas. These areas include Iwi/hapu development, Education, Medicine, Research, Media, Government and Travel and Tourism.

• You can choose from the following subjects: Māori and Indigenous Studies or Pacific and Indigenous Studies.

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

• The 180 point MA is a master's degree completed through coursework. At least 60 points must be inside the field of your specialist subject, including at least 45 points of research papers from List A. Up to 60 points can be taken outside the field of the degree.
• Coursework:
  • ALPSS500 Academic & Professional Research & Writing (30 pts)
  • One from the subject list
  • One from the subject list or from the field of the degree
• Coursework and Research:
  • One from Research list (30 pt)
• Most 500 level papers are 15 or 30 points.

Subjects

• Choose a subject:
  • Anthropology
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Māori and Indigenous Studies
  • Music
  • Pacific and Indigenous Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Screen and Media Studies
  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Theatre Studies

Entry Requirements

• Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent.
• Once you have applied to study with us, you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience.
• Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
• Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please contact us to discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic students:
  • Estimated fees: $8,569 - $10,266 per programme
  • Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

MA in International Relations

The Master of Arts in International Relations will take you behind news headlines to explore the political forces that shape today’s world, preparing you for a career in which you can help address pressing global issues.

MA in Psychology

Consider the Master of Arts in Psychology to gain a cross-disciplinary skill set by combining Psychology with other subjects. This programme enhances your understanding of psychology while building specialist knowledge for diverse career paths.

Industry Connections

The programmes within the MA host networks and relationships with a diverse range of national and international industry bodies. These include:

• Māori and Indigenous Studies: Waitangi Tribunal, Royal Society, Waikato District Health Board
• Pacific and Indigenous Studies: Ministry for Pacific Peoples, K'aute Pacific Trust (founders of the Pan Pacific Community Hub in Hamilton)
• Music and Theatre Studies: Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (direct public engagement)
• History: New Zealand Historical Association
• English: Creative New Zealand, Fulbright Foundation

Career Opportunities

Our subjects prepare graduates for a range of exciting careers:

• Māori and Indigenous Studies:
  • Director/Producer
  • Public Relations & Marketing Executive
  • Cultural Advisor
  • Social Policy Planner
  • Researcher
• Screen and Media Studies:
  • Media Relations Adviser
  • Media Research Executive
  • Professional Fundraiser
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Public Relations Consultant
  • Journalist
• History, Māori & Indigenous Studies, or Pacific & Indigenous Studies:
  • Historian
  • Museum Curator
  • Heritage Researcher
  • Community Development Worker (e.g., with tribal authorities)
• Foreign Language Studies:
  • Diplomatic Service
  • International Marketing Manager
  • Trade Commissioner
  • Interpreter/Translator

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Study Options

• PhD: 3 years, Hamilton, Tauranga

Doctor of Philosophy

• Doctor of Philosophy/Higher Degrees

What Our Students Are Saying

• Testimonials from students about their experiences with the Master of Arts program.

MA Degree Regulations

• Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.