Master of Arts
MA
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) degree consists of taught coursework, which may include internship opportunities, and independent research in a wide variety of Arts subjects. It provides the opportunity to critically examine current practices in the field, while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research.
MA students within Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts benefit from:
- a lively and supportive postgraduate culture
- working with the Professional and Community Engagement Programme towards an internship that fits you and your interests
- access to world-class research centres in the humanities and social sciences.
Those interested in a research-focused programme of study in their subject may consider the Master of Arts (Thesis).
Students must have qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor's degree (or other qualifications of an equivalent standard).
You must also satisfy the prerequisites for a major subject. Prerequisites vary between departments, but normally good grades in 300-level courses in the subject is required.
If you do not meet the prerequisites in your chosen subject, you may be able to complete a qualifying course, or substitute relevant professional practice or other work experience that satisfies your ability to pursue postgraduate-level studies in that subject.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Arts or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The Master of Arts degree consists of a total 180 points, made up from a 30-point compulsory course in introductory research methods, at least 60 points in a single subject, a maximum of 30 points from an internship or other relevant subject, and a 60-point dissertation.
Students would normally begin their studies in February, but a July start may be possible, with studies taught over three semesters (18 months full-time).
Part-time study is also possible for up to 3 years, however the dissertation course would normally be completed full-time.
Subjects
You will need to complete a minimum of 60 points in 400-level courses, as well as the dissertation course, in one of the subjects below.
The remaining 30 points in the degree can be made up from 400-level courses in an appropriate subject, or the internship course PACE 495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship.
Students may go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in their subject after completion of this degree.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $15,070 - $17,742 |
| 2020 | 120 | If you have completed a BA(Hons) you may be eligible to complete the thesis only | $7,535 - $8,771 |
| 2020 | 240 | Arts; Languages; Social Sciences; Education (Band 1) | $15,070 |
| 2020 | 240 | Economics (Band 2) | $15,704 |
| 2020 | 240 | Geography; Music; Psychology (Band 3) | $16,348 |
| 2020 | 240 | Child and Family Psychology (Band 7) | $17,742 |
| 2020 | 240 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $15,818 |
| 2021 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $15,236 - $17,937 |
| 2021 | 120 | If you have completed a BA(Hons) you may be eligible to complete the thesis only | $7,618 - $8,867 |
| 2021 | 180 | Arts; Languages; Social Sciences; Education (Band 1) | $11,426 |
| 2021 | 180 | Economics (Band 2) | $11,906 |
| 2021 | 180 | Geography; Music; Psychology (Band 3) | $12,396 |
| 2021 | 180 | Child and Family Psychology (Band 7) | $13,300 |
| 2021 | 180 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $11,994 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee - Thesis only (if completed BA(Hons)) | $30,700 |
| 2020 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee - Thesis and Coursework (subject to fee increase in following year of study) | $61,400 |
| 2021 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee - Coursework (subject to fee increase in following year of study) | $48,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Arts.
For study planning help, contact the College of Arts:
Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz