Master of Arts
MA
Duration
2–3 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
2–3 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) degree consists of taught coursework followed by an independent thesis in a wide variety of Arts subjects. It provides the opportunity to make a contribution to knowledge in the field and critically examine current practices, while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research.
MA students within the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata benefit from:
- a lively and supportive postgraduate culture
- numerous master's scholarships
- access to world-class research centres in the humanities and social sciences.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates must have qualified for a bachelor's degree and satisfied the prerequisites for the subject concerned. Prerequisites vary between departments, but normally good grades in 300-level courses in the subject concerned are required.
Students who have qualified for a Bachelor of Arts with Honours or equivalent with good grades may be admitted to the Master of Arts by thesis (Part II only) in that subject.
For information on the prerequisites for each subject see Schedule A to the Master of Arts.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Arts or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
See the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata website for more information on the MA enrolment process and the application form.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The Master of Arts degree consists of two parts:
- Part I: Coursework
- Part II: A thesis
Part II (thesis-only) can be started at the beginning of any month.
(a) The time limit for Part I is:
- 1 year for a full-time student or
- 2 years for a part-time student.
(b) The time limit for Part II is:
- 2 years for a full-time student or
- 4 years for a part-time student.
- Part II of the degree must be submitted by such date as may be prescribed by the Dean of Arts (Academic) unless an exemption is granted.
For enrolment in Parts I and II and other requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Arts.
Honours may be awarded if the student completes within the timeframe indicated by the Schedule. Distinction or Merit may be awarded if the student completes an MA by thesis-only in the timeframe indicated by the Schedule and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
See the Master of Arts Schedule for course options and requirements for each subject.
Contact the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata for information about these subject areas:
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Art Theory
- Child and Family Psychology
- Chinese
- Classics
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- English
- European Studies
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Human Services
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Māori and Indigenous Studies
- Mathematics
- Media and Communication
- Music
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Te Reo Māori
Students may go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in their subject.
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.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $14,774 - $17,198 |
| 2019 | 120 | If you have completed a BA(Hons) you may be eligible to complete the thesis only | $7,387 - $8,599 |
| 2019 | 240 | Arts; Languages; Social Sciences; Education (Band 1) | $14,774 |
| 2019 | 240 | Economics (Band 2) | $15,396 |
| 2019 | 240 | Geography; Music; Psychology (Band 3) | $16,028 |
| 2019 | 240 | Child and Family Psychology (Band 7) | $17,198 |
| 2019 | 240 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $15,508 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee - Thesis only (if completed BA(Hons)) | $29,000 |
| 2019 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee - Thesis and Coursework | $58,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Arts.
For study planning help contact the College of Arts:
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz