Master of Arts

Summary

Build on your Honours degree with advanced study and research at Master's level and become a leader in your field.

Study your specialist subject in detail and take the opportunity to contribute to the world's knowledge in that area. Enhance your critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities and learn to create and assess new ideas.

Working alongside some of New Zealand’s leading academic staff, you'll complete a research thesis of up to 40,000 words and emerge as an expert in your subject with highly developed research skills.

A Master of Arts will give your career prospects a boost and open doors to new opportunities. Be a leader in a humanities or social science field and help make New Zealand a better place.

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.

Sign up for more information

Fill in the form to receive information on postgraduate study with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Duration and workload

If you are doing an MA by thesis, you’ll normally need to complete it within 12 months if you’re studying full time or within two years if you’re studying part time.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of at least 30 hours a week for much of the year. If you can’t commit this many hours, you should enrol as a part-time student.

Duration and workload

If you are doing an MA by thesis, you’ll normally need to complete it within 12 months of full-time study.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of at least 30 hours a week for much of the year.

More information

Find guidelines for Master’s study, timelines, and other useful information on the Faculty of Graduate Research’s Master’s by research page.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

At the end of your Master's you can choose to continue your research and apply to do a PhD, either in New Zealand or overseas. In exceptional circumstances you may be able to upgrade to a PhD during your Master's study.

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the Faculty. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics.

As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.