Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Graduate Certificate in Arts – GCertArts
The Graduate Certificate in Arts enables you to gain knowledge in a specific area of the humanities and social sciences.
You can use it to study another subject area without completing a second bachelor’s degree. Or if you already have an undergraduate degree, you can use the Graduate Certificate as a bridging tool to go on to postgraduate study.
A GCertArts is a good fit if you:
- already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
- have an interest in pursuing postgraduate study in the humanities and social sciences.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Certificate in Arts you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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.
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.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Graduate Certificate in Arts
This qualification may be completed in one semester of full-time study (depending on sequencing of courses) or over a longer period of part-time study.
Prerequisite courses
Some GCertArts specialisations (Chinese, Japanese, Mathematics, Spanish, Statistics) include courses which have specific 100-level courses required as prerequisites which must be passed before enrolling in a 200-level course. Meeting prerequisite requirements may require you to study courses in addition to those specified for the GCertArts.
For all other specialisations, you will be automatically granted exemption from 100-level prerequisites. Check the requirements for your specialisation before you enrol in courses.
If you plan to take any electives in subjects such as Languages, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics, you will need to meet the 100-level prerequisite requirements.
Please note: No 100-level credits can be included in the GCertArts. Any 100-level prerequisite course that you need to pass before you start the Graduate Certificate in Arts should be taken under the Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- 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
No endorsement option
- Courses from the Schedule – 60 credits
Endorsement option
- Courses from one endorsement – 45 credits
- Course selected from the Schedule – 15 credits
This qualification is available with or without endorsement.
Ensure overall you have at least 45 credits at 300 level.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- 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. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Endorsements
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.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.
Chinese
Develop your oral and written Chinese with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chinese). You can study Chinese without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Classical Studies
Trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity and our own 21st-century civilisation. You can study the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Classical Studies) without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Creative Writing
With a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Creative Writing) you’ll examine inspiring creative writing and start developing your own.
Defence Studies
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Defence Studies), you can study defence without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Development Studies
Analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.
Educational Psychology
Help students learn, develop and achieve. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Educational Psychology), you can study educational psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Education
Transform lives with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Education). You can study education without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
English
Understand how words shape our world with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (English).
Geography
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography), you can study geography without completing a second bachelor’s degree. Learn how we interact with our cultural, social, and physical environments.
History
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Japanese
Develop your oral and written Japanese with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Japanese). You can study Japanese without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Linguistics
Use language to drive your career. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Linguistics), you can study linguistics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Māori Knowledge
Gain knowledge of Māori language, culture, and tikanga with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Māori Knowledge). You can study Māori without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics
Be a sought-after graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Mathematics). You can study mathematics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Media Studies
Interested in television and popular culture? Social media and the blogosphere? Film and cultural theory? Media studies can help you unlock your creative potential and develop practical skills to excel in your career.
Philosophy
Your inquisitive mind can make you highly employable. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy), you can study philosophy without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Planning Studies
Contribute to the design of better communities and sustainable use of resources with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Planning Studies).
Politics and International Relations
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Politics and International Relations), you can study politics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Psychology
Understand more about yourself and others. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Psychology), you can study psychology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Security Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Security Studies) will prepare you for roles that are integral to the safety of New Zealand and the globe.
Social Anthropology
Get a better understanding of the world. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Social Anthropology), you can study social anthropology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Sociology
Use your social knowledge for a meaningful career. With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology), you can study sociology without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Spanish
Boost your career while learning a new language. The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Spanish) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Spanish without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
Statistics
With the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Statistics), you can study statistics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Without Specialisation
Inspire people, shape policy, solve problems, create new ways of thinking, and transform the world. You can study Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Elective courses
Elective courses may be selected from any endorsement schedule and/or from the list below
Course code: 130301 Incident Command Systems 15 credits
This course introduces the systems used to manage emergencies, including the New Zealand Coordinated Incident Management System and other international variations. Consideration will be given to operational management concepts and tactics for effective incident response.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147201 Issues in Rehabilitation 15 credits
A study of major issues related to rehabilitation processes and practices. Students will examine rehabilitation in relation to personal, social and environmental factors and be introduced to terms, concepts and models related to disability, age, gender, culture, legal and political contexts, family and society, advocacy and inclusion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147202 Mental Health Promotion 15 credits
The course covers the rationale and principles of promoting mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Attention is given to key concepts and frameworks underpinning this area of practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147302 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Addiction 15 credits
A focus on alcohol, other drug use and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising harm reduction and health promotion as intervention tools. Students will develop a critical understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of drug use and addiction, the co-existence of conditions with addictions, and effective legal, public policy and treatment responses to reducing harm.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175313 Gender and Violence 15 credits
A critical, research-based examination of the forms and prevalence of gendered violence, and an examination of selected legislation and intervention practices advocated for reducing and eliminating gendered violence in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230210 Tū Rangaranga: Global Encounters 15 credits
The course explores our connections, impacts, and roles in the world, and our rights and responsibilities as global citizens. It examines what citizenship means in 21st century Aotearoa/NZ, given its history, cultural diversity, and place in the global arena. The course introduces the notion of global citizenship, and explores the relationship between individual and collective action in addressing global problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230310 Tū Tira Mai: Practising Engagement 15 credits
The questions of and possibilities for agency and action form the core of this course, through an enquiry-based exploration of the capacities of the humanities and social sciences for action, intervention and contribution in professional and community contexts. The course also covers the development and application of research skills, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness in addressing practical issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243201 Intermediate French Language I 15 credits
An intermediate-level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension, and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243202 Intermediate French Language II 15 credits
For students with intermediate level of French. An Autonomous level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension, and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243301 Advanced French Language 15 credits
For students with an autonomous level of oral and written French. An advanced-level course in French to further develop written and oral comprehension, expression and analysis, based on contemporary texts and recordings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 243304 Contemporary French Popular Culture 15 credits
For students with Advanced level of French. Practical study of contemporary examples of French popular language and culture in a range of fields. An Advanced level review of written and spoken French, further developing skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, comprehension and oral communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294382 Advanced Biosecurity 15 credits
This course provides an advanced exploration of biosecurity from a social science perspective and exposes students to a range of contemporary biosecurity issues and their management.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
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. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates who choose to study the humanities and social sciences come from a broad range of disciplines and have diverse backgrounds. They include managers, researchers, educators and leaders looking for personal and professional development.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz