Massey University

What you'll study

The Diploma in Arts offers a mix of core study-skills and discipline-based papers so you can explore areas such as English and literature, media and communication, history, sociology, psychology, languages, Māori and indigenous studies, and cultural studies. The programme emphasises academic writing, critical thinking, and introductory research methods, and allows you to choose electives to build a coherent programme that reflects your interests.

Typical components include:

• Academic skills and research: academic writing, information literacy, introduction to social research methods.
• Core humanities and social sciences papers: introductory modules in history, sociology, media studies, and cultural theory.
• Language and communication: beginner to intermediate study options in te reo Māori and other languages, plus public communication or interpersonal communication papers.
• Māori and Pacific perspectives: foundational papers on tikanga, indigenous knowledge, and contemporary Māori and Pacific society.
• Electives: opportunities to take papers in areas such as creative writing, digital media, film studies or introductory psychology to tailor your diploma to particular interests or career goals.

The programme can be completed full-time in a single academic year or part-time over a longer period, and is often used as a bridge into a bachelor-level degree by meeting first-year requirements for many arts and social science degrees.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary school qualifications equivalent to New Zealand University Entrance or a recognised alternative qualification. Candidates who have completed relevant Level 4 tertiary study, or who demonstrate appropriate prior learning and experience, may also be considered. Mature applicants without formal qualifications can apply through a special admission process that assesses work and life experience.

All applicants for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved qualification or test recognised by the university. Specific paper prerequisites may apply for some language or discipline-based electives.

Career prospects

The Diploma in Arts prepares graduates for a range of entry-level roles and provides a strong foundation for further study. Typical career paths and destinations include:

• administration and project support roles in public, private and not-for-profit sectors
• communications, social media and content support positions
• community and youth work support roles
• library, museum and cultural sector assistant positions
• pathways into undergraduate degrees in arts, social sciences, education, journalism or cultural studies, leading to professional careers such as teaching, social policy, research, media and arts management

The diploma is also useful for professionals seeking to upskill or change careers where broad analytical, writing and intercultural skills are valued.

Why study at Massey University

Massey University offers flexible delivery across campus and via distance learning, making the Diploma in Arts accessible to students in different regions and with varied life commitments. The university has a strong tradition in applied humanities and social sciences, with opportunities to learn from staff engaged in contemporary research on Māori and Pacific communities, media, and social change.

Students benefit from dedicated student support services, academic advising to plan pathways into undergraduate study, and connections with industry and community organisations for practical learning. The programme’s flexible structure allows you to tailor study to your interests and to build a pathway into Massey’s broader undergraduate programmes.