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Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)

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    Overview

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) requires two semesters of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study. It entails a structured programme of postgraduate coursework and, in some instances, a piece of supervised research that counts for one or two of the required papers. The normal admission requirement is a completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the major subject(s) of the proposed programme.

    The Diploma can be awarded in any of the subjects listed below, although a candidate may be permitted to study combinations of these. The primary aim of the study programme is to expose a candidate to advanced knowledge and skills in the major subject of the Bachelor's degree.

    Graduates are employed in administration, business, education, government, industry and journalism where their advanced knowledge of an academic area, ability to solve problems, research and writing skills are valued. It is also a recognised qualification for admission as a candidate for the Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) and, if a dissertation is included, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

    PGDipArts Schedule

    Subjects for the Diploma

    SubjectNotes

    Anthropology

    		 

    Chinese

    Applications for the PGDipArts in Chinese are no longer being accepted.

    Classics (including Classical Studies, Greek and Latin)

    		 

    Communication Studies

    		 

    Computer Science

    		 

    Economics

    Prerequsites: ECON 375 and ECON 377

    Education

    		 

    English

    		 

    Film and Media Studies

    		 

    Gender Studies

    		 

    Geography

    		 

    German

    Applications for the PGDipArts in German are no longer being accepted.

    History

    		 

    Indigenous Studies

    		 

    Information Science

    Programme of study: as for PGDipCom

    Japanese

    Applications for the PGDipArts in Japanese are no longer being accepted.

    Linguistics

    		 

    Māori Studies

    		 

    Mathematics

    Programme of study: As for the PGDipSc

    Music

    		 

    Philosophy

    Prerequisites: One of PHIL 105 or PHIL 222 or equivalent

    Philosophy, Politics and Economics

    		 

    Politics

    		 

    Psychology

    Programme of study: As for the PGDipSci

    Religious Studies

    		 

    Sociology

    		 

    Spanish

    Applications for the PGDipArts in Spanish are no longer being accepted.

    Statistics

    Programme of study: as for the PGDipSci

    Theatre Studies

    Subjects

    Requirements

    See all programmes

    Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
      2. Every applicant shall
        1. either have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts majoring in the subject or subjects of study proposed;
        2. or have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the diploma;
        3. or have a qualification acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and produce evidence satisfactory to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of ability to proceed to the diploma.

    2. Subjects of Study

      The diploma may be awarded in any one of the subjects, or in an approved combination of the subjects listed in the PGDipArts Schedule. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), the diploma may be awarded in a subject not listed in the schedule to a student who has withdrawn from a programme for a master's degree.

    3. Structure of the Programme

      1. Every programme of study shall consist of approved 400- or 500- level papers worth 120 points in a subject listed in the PGDipArts Schedule or as prescribed for a taught masters degree that the candidate is exiting from.
      2. With the permission of the Heads of Schools or Programmes concerned, a candidate may substitute a paper of another subject for one of the subject-specific papers. When such permission is granted, prerequisite and corequisite requirements laid down in the Prescriptions may be waived.

    4. Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions

      Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).

    5. Duration of the Programme

      The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one year, or by part-time candidates over more than one year. Any paper in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.

    6. Level of Award of the Diploma

      The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

    7. Diploma in a Second Subject

      A student who has obtained the diploma in one subject may become a candidate for the diploma in any other subject.

    8. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

    Note: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 10 December. Late applications will be considered.

    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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