University of Waikato

What you'll study

The Master of Arts at Waikato offers flexible study pathways including a research thesis, a coursework-dominated MA, or a combination of coursework and a smaller research project. Students normally select a subject specialism from areas such as English and Creative Writing, History, Media Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Sociology, and Languages and Cultures.

• Research training: core research methods papers cover qualitative and quantitative approaches, research design, ethics and academic writing to prepare you for an independent thesis or major project.
• Dissertation or project: research-track students complete an extended supervised thesis; taught-track students complete advanced papers plus a substantial research or professional project.
• Advanced discipline papers: specialised topics vary by department but commonly include contemporary theory, historical methods, cultural analysis, media practice, Māori epistemologies, and elective seminars focused on current debates in the field.
• Interdisciplinary options: students may combine papers across departments to create a tailored programme that reflects interdisciplinary interests and career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with acceptable academic performance. Applicants with an honours degree or a bachelor’s degree plus substantial research experience are typically eligible for the thesis option; those without research experience are generally admitted to coursework pathways. Departments may set subject-specific prerequisites and assess evidence of research potential when considering applicants for supervised research.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with the University of Waikato’s postgraduate requirements. Additional documentation such as a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references may be requested for research-track applications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA move into a wide range of roles that value advanced analytical, research and communication skills. Typical career paths include:

• Academic and doctoral study leading to teaching and research positions
• Policy analysis and research roles in local and central government
• Heritage, museums and cultural institutions (curation, collections management, interpretation)
• Publishing, journalism, communications and public relations
• Community and iwi organisations, NGOs and social services
• Education and curriculum development, including roles in tertiary teaching support

Why study at University of Waikato

Waikato’s humanities and social sciences programmes combine research-led teaching with personalised supervision in a supportive postgraduate environment. The University is known for its strengths in Māori and Indigenous scholarship and integrates Te Tiriti o Waitangi perspectives across many programmes. Postgraduate students benefit from access to dedicated research centres, specialist collections, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across arts, education and social science faculties.

The relatively small cohort sizes enable close engagement with academic staff and clearer pathways into supervised research or professionally oriented projects. Waikato also provides postgraduate-specific support services, including funding and scholarship information, training workshops, and study facilities designed for higher-degree research students.