Graduate Certificate in Arts

Summary

Learn about humanities and gain new skills. Prepare for postgraduate study or enhance your career prospects.

Available from 2027

The Graduate Certificate in Arts (GCertArts) will be offered from 2027.

Expand your knowledge and boost your skills

Whether you want to study something new, enhance your career prospects, or get up to date with humanities and social sciences theory, our Graduate Certificate in Arts (GCertArts) has options to suit your goals.

Part time or full time, the 60-point GCertArts is a great way to get familiar with a new subject and learn new skills. The Certificate can also prepare you for postgraduate study, such as the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Master of Arts. You may also be able to credit the courses you study in the GCertArts to a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

The GCertArts can be completed in one trimester when studied full time.

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.

Who can study for a GCertArts

You can study for a GCertArts if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject.

What you'll learn

Understand complex subject matter, gain advanced skills and knowledge, and learn from the best.

We have more A‑rated researchers than any other New Zealand university in key humanities and arts fields. We’re also the top university in New Zealand for research intensity—according to the Performance‑Based Research Fund, we have the highest proportion of academics producing high‑quality research in the country.

Investigate contemporary topics and hone your skills in:

• critical and conceptual analysis
• communication—including written, verbal, non-verbal, visual, and intercultural
• consequential thinking
• cultural knowledge and skills
• data and information analysis
• human behaviour and motivation
• interpretation and meaning
• problem solving
• research design and methodology
• strategic thinking and planning.

How you'll study

To complete the Certificate, you’ll study 200 and 300-level courses, with at least 40 points at 300-level.

You can choose from more than 40 subjects in the GCertArts.

If you study full time you can complete the GCertArts in one trimester.

Continue your studies

The Certificate can prepare you for postgraduate study, such as the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Master of Arts. You may also be able to credit the courses you study in the GCertArts to a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

We’ve offered the Humanities and Arts for over a century, with many of our subjects consistently ranked in the world’s top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. Whatever area you want to explore, you’ll be joining a community that values understanding people, culture, and society. As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s political life and the creative economy. From Wētā FX, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Te Papa Tongarewa, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, connect with and learn from leaders making their mark.

Your future career

GCertArts graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their communication, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Graduates are employed in every part of the workforce. The kinds of roles and industries you work in depends on your chosen subject.

Industries can include:

• consulting
• government and policy
• tourism and translation
• social services
• think tanks.

You could go for these early career roles:

• administration
• content writing
• coordination.

FHSS Internship

The FHSS Internship course, run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, helps develop practical workplace experience.

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 governm...