Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Summary

Enhance your Bachelor's degree with further study at postgraduate level in your major subject area.

Explore your area of interest in more detail and improve your career prospects by completing a PGDipArts. Develop your knowledge and expertise while refining your skills in research, writing and critical thinking.

You'll need to complete 120 points over one year, or if studying part time, over a maximum of four years.

As a postgraduate student you'll be part of a smaller class and can take advantage of closer relationships with academic staff.

If you want to study at an advanced level and have a B average in your Bachelor's degree for the discipline you intend to study, then consider completing a PGDipArts.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Study with a globally ranked faculty

Our Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences ranks 102nd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the latest QS World University Rankings.

This annual global rankings publication rates the world's universities and the subjects they teach.

Other postgraduate study options

The PGDipArts is part of a tiered family of qualifications that are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step. You can enrol in one of the shorter qualifications initially, and build on your learning in your own time.

• the 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (PGCertArts)
• the 180-point Master of Arts (Coursework).

If you'd like to focus on research, you can choose the 120-point Bachelor of Arts (Hons) followed by the 120-point, thesis-based Master of Arts.

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Summer Research Scholarships

Take the opportunity to apply for a Summer Research Scholarship—where you'll work with academics and sometimes an external organisation on a research project over the summer. Applications normally close in September each year.