Master of Arts

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree also includes a substantial component of independent research. The Master of Arts may be taken within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Maori and Indigenous Studies.

Master of Arts under Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Are you seeking the ability to think critically and communicate well? A Master of Arts (MA) from Waikato will teach you the skills to work independently and see a major project through to completion. These are characteristics that are highly sought after by employers.

Enrolling in an MA gives you the opportunity to engage in independent (but supervised) research in one or more of a wide range of Arts subjects. Graduating with an MA provides you with a gateway to a higher research degree or to a wide range of careers.

Master of Arts under Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

The recognition of Māori as an official language of Aotearoa has been accompanied by an acknowledgement of tangata whenua issues within the community and society as a whole. The ability to be fluent in both Māori and English has become increasingly important within a number of professional areas. These areas include Iwi/hapu development, Education, Medicine, Research, Media, Government and Travel and Tourism.

You can choose from the following subjects: Māori Language/Te Reo Māori, Maori Cultural Studies/Tikanga Māori, Māori Media and Communication.

Industry Connections

The programmes within the MA host networks and relationships with a diverse range of national and international industry bodies. These include the wider education sector (particularly with secondary schools), linguistic and cultural groups, creative, theatrical and performing groups, embassies, government, business organisations, historical organisations, international organisations, and industrial and professional groups or organisations.

Music and Theatre Studies, for example, have links directly with the public at large through the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. History has close links with the New Zealand Historical Association and English with Creative New Zealand and the Fulbright Foundation.

Career Opportunities

Our subjects equip MA graduates for specific careers. For instance, a Screen and Media Studies MA graduate might become a director or producer, a media relations adviser, a media research executive, a professional fundraiser, a public affairs specialist, a public relations consultant or a journalist. History MA graduates might become historians, museum curators, heritage researchers or work in community development (for instance, with tribal authorities). Foreign language MA graduates might work in the diplomatic service or become international marketing managers, trade commissioners, interpreters or translators – the possibilities are endless.

Admission and enrolment

Following the successful completion of the BA or BA(Hons), you may apply for the Master of Arts degree. The MA is awarded classes of honours.

To be admitted to the MA, you must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (or equivalent) or a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (or equivalent) in the same subject and must have achieved a satisfactory grade average – normally a B+ average or better.

You will also need to have appropriate supervision arranged.

Admission criteria may vary so please consult the appropriate programme Graduate Adviser for their specific criteria. Admission to the MA requires the agreement of the Chair of School or Programme Convenor of the main subject or programme and agreement of the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences (or nominee).

MA Degree Regulations