Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you 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 Diploma in Arts – DipArts
Explore tertiary study with a Diploma in Arts. For many students, this is the first step towards taking a full Bachelor of Arts. The Diploma in Arts consists of eight courses (120 credits) from the Bachelor of Arts schedule.
You choose what you study
You can complete the Diploma in Arts with or without an endorsement in a subject area. Completing the diploma without endorsement lets you sample different subjects and build a qualification that reflects your own particular interests.
If you want to take an endorsement, you can choose from 25 subjects from the Bachelor of Arts degree and specialise in the one that sparks your passion.
Massey’s Diploma in Arts is extremely flexible and you can include courses from many disciplines, including some from outside the humanities and social sciences.
Why study arts at Massey?
Massey offers passionate and friendly lecturers, a world-class distance learning qualification and access to multi-media learning materials.
The arts – in other words, the subjects of the humanities and social sciences – are the study of humanity: our history, beliefs, societies, languages and cultures. They ask questions about how we think, how we communicate, how we live, and how we interact with our environment. They teach us to analyse the meaning behind what we are, what we do, and how we came to be that way.
Massey will prepare you to be a free and original thinker who will lead New Zealand into the future and help solve some of our big problems.
A DipArts is a good fit if you:
- want to take the first step towards a Bachelor of Arts
- want the flexibility to follow your passions
- have wide-ranging interests.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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 on this page.
If you have already completed a bachelor degree
If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.
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 Diploma in Arts
If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in one year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The Diploma in Arts may be completed with or without an endorsement.
Regardless of whether you complete the diploma with or without an endorsement, if you later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in your Diploma in Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.
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
120 credits
No endorsement option
- Core courses – 30 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 60 credits
- Electives – 30 credits
Endorsement option
- Core courses – 30 credits
- Courses from one endorsement – 60 credits
- Elective – 30 credits
A specialisation (endorsement) is optional, requiring at least 60 credits from the endorsement, including not more than 30 credits at 100-level.
Ensure across your courses you also have:
- Not more than 75 credits at 100 level
- At least 45 credits at 200 level or above
- Not more than 15 credits above 100-level from outside of the Schedule to the Diploma
- Not more than a total of 30 credits from outside of the Schedule to the Diploma.
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.
Schedule A: Compulsory Courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry 15 credits
This course introduces students to cultures of writing and inquiry in the Humanities and Social Sciences. It is designed to help students write effectively at undergraduate level by practising a variety of writing tasks, including analytical, persuasive, and research-based writing and argumentation. Students will learn practices of writing, research, peer-review and revision that have application in the university and broader contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking 15 credits
This course develops students’ foundational analytical and critical thinking skills. It is designed to provide students in any discipline with the ability to describe, evaluate, and generate reasoning / arguments effectively, appropriately, and sympathetically, alongside an understanding of the hidden complexities inherent in this approach and its limits when employed as a form of persuasion.
View full course detailsSchedule B: BA Core Courses
Course code: 230110 Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ 15 credits
This course examines formations of identity and belonging in relation to concepts of place and turangawaewae (‘standing place’). The multiple factors shaping identity formation, citizenship and public engagement will be explored, and students will develop awareness of and reflect on diverse perspectives regarding identity and citizenship, and apply this understanding to analyse issues in contemporary New Zealand society.
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 detailsSchedule C: 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 (endorsement).
Chinese
Are you interested in Chinese culture? The Diploma in Arts (Chinese) will develop your skills in oral and written Chinese.
Classical Studies
With Massey's Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies) you can take a variety of courses to trace meaningful connections between classical antiquity, and our own 21st-century civilisation.
Creative Writing
With a Diploma in Arts (Creative Writing) you will examine inspiring creative works and explore your personal creative approach through poetry, life writing, scriptwriting, and fiction.
Defence Studies
Join a qualification unique to New Zealand, that combines the study of modern defence studies and military history with broad and transferable critical-thinking skills.
Development Studies
Gain useful skills to help solve development problems, with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Development Studies).
Disability and Rehabilitation Studies
Learn a broad general knowledge of the purpose, practice, and philosophy of rehabilitation with Massey's Diploma in Arts (Disability and Rehabilitation Studies).
Economics
Improve your economic decision-making skills and understanding with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Economics).
Educational Psychology
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Educational Psychology) you’ll learn about both psychology and education, introducing you to new ways of thinking about learning and development.
Education
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Education) you will learn about a fascinating industry that contributes positively to our society.
Emergency Management
Gain useful skills in disaster prevention and management with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Emergency Management).
English
Do you have a passion for literature? The Diploma in Arts (English) will give you versatile and transferable skills that can open many career pathways.
Environmental Studies
If you are passionate about the natural world, a Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) is a good place to begin. You’ll explore people’s relationships with the environment through different disciplines.
French
Are you interested in French culture and history? The Diploma in Arts (French) will develop your skills in oral and written French.
Geography
With Massey's Diploma of Arts (Geography) you’ll learn how we interact with our cultural, social, and physical environments.
History
To learn about history is to learn about change in the world and in ourselves. Having a better understanding of history will make you more broad-minded as a person and citizen.
Indigenous Psychologies
If you have an interest in how culture influences psychology, then Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Indigenous Psychologies) is for you.
Japanese
Gain fascinating insights into Japan’s rich language, culture, and society. The Diploma in Arts (Japanese) will give you an edge in the international job market.
Linguistics
Build on your understanding of how language works. Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Linguistics) will teach you the concepts and structures in languages and cultures around the world.
Māori Knowledge
The Diploma in Arts (Māori Knowledge) introduces you to te ao Māori, the Māori world, and will give you a sound background in Māori language, visual arts, Aotearoa heritage, and Māori policy and development.
Mathematics
Develop a wide variety of mathematics skills and techniques with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Mathematics). Learn to formulate, solve, restate, resolve and interpret mathematics problems.
Media Studies
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Media Studies) you’ll gain an understanding of the production, consumption, and content in the media industry.
Philosophy
Is anything really good, or true, or beautiful? Do people have free will, or does science show that free will is an illusion? Are minds distinct from bodies or are they the same thing from a different viewpoint?
Planning Studies
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Planning Studies) you can contribute to the design of better communities and sustainable use of resources.
Politics and International Relations
Psychology
Psychology explores the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups in a social and cultural context. The goal of psychology is to understand, describe and predict behaviour.
Security Studies
Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) will give you a powerful combination of critical thinking skills and knowledge of global security issues.
Social Anthropology
Study the relationship between human beings and culture with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Social Anthropology).
Sociology
Sociologists ask the questions that are crucial to understanding some of the biggest issues facing the world today. Study Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Sociology) to better understand how society works.
Spanish
Prepare for the global marketplace. With over 400 million speakers, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken native languages in the world and continues to grow as a popular second language.
Statistics
Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Statistics) will give you the skills to do calculations, draw graphics, and display new insights.
Te Reo Māori
With a Massey Diploma in Arts (Te Reo Māori) you’ll be able to use New Zealand’s indigenous language and participate in a Māori language community in ways that reinforce the everyday use of te reo.
Without Specialisation
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts, you can study what you enjoy and explore subject areas that spark your interest.
Schedule D: Elective courses (not otherwise included in Endorsements schedule)
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: 150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori 15 credits
This course will equip students with a range of skills to engage with Māori communities including common expressions in te reo, an understanding of key traditional concepts, customary practices (tikanga), the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and the nature and structure of Māori social and political organisations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 192101 English for Academic Purposes for Speakers of Other Languages 15 credits
An introduction to vocabulary development, critical and analytical reading, seminar presentation, and listening and note-taking for academic purposes. This course is designed for students for whom English is a second or other language, and who are enrolled in degree/diploma programmes. It is most suitable for students who are new to an English-speaking academic environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 192102 Academic Writing in English for Speakers of Other Languages 15 credits
A course of study in academic English writing for international students and permanent residents for whom English is the second or other language.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230102 Pacific Peoples in New Zealand 15 credits
An introduction to the distinctive cultures of Pacific Peoples in New Zealand. Students will develop an understanding of core values, traditions, cultural protocols, social processes and world views that are characteristic of Pacific cultures in the New Zealand context.
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
Employers need people who can thrive in an ever-changing labour market and effectively challenge and critique new encounters. Our arts qualifications will develop your interpersonal, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure you remain agile enough to take on the opportunities the future holds.
The arts can lead to a wide range of career opportunities including:
- advertising
- aid and disaster relief workers
- business managers
- communications
- conflict resolution
- customs/immigration officers
- defence forces
- disaster relief
- education
- family therapists
- foreign affairs
- human resources
- international business
- media production
- mental health practitioners
- novelists
- peacekeeping
- policy development and analysis
- politics
- project management
- public relations
- research managers
- risk management
- school principals
- sign language interpreters
- special education needs
- specialist teachers
- speechwriters
- teaching English overseas
- translation
- travel and hospitality.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz