Victoria University of Wellington

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Arts in History at Victoria University of Wellington offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of historical events and enhance your research and analytical skills. This program is ideal for those looking to advance to postgraduate studies or develop skills relevant to careers in historical research.

With a typical duration of 12 months, students can choose to study full-time over two trimesters or part-time for up to four years. The diploma comprises 120 points of coursework, focusing on various historical methodologies and thematic studies.

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive approach to history, encouraging students to explore various themes and periods while considering how past developments shape contemporary society. Core components of the program include:

• Thematic studies of history, examining different geographical and temporal contexts.
• Analysis of historical narratives and interpretations, focusing on diverse perspectives on the past.
• Specialized areas such as the emergence of Europe as a global power, the role of history in national identity formation, and Māori historical methodologies.
• Development of essential skills in historical research and analysis, including evidence collection, selection, and interpretation, along with constructing well-supported historical arguments.

The program is primarily coursework-based, and students may have the option to undertake a capstone project or thesis, depending on the current curriculum structure.

Entry requirements

Applicants need to hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements for this program.

English language proficiency is essential, with accepted qualifications including:

• IELTS Academic: overall score of 6.5 (with specific minimum scores for each skill).
• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90 (with section requirements).
• PTE Academic: score of 58.
• Duolingo English Test: score of 120.

Other pathways for demonstrating English proficiency may include completion of Victoria University of Wellington's English for Academic Purposes program or equivalent qualifications.

Career prospects