Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Enhance your Bachelor's degree with further study at postgraduate level in your major subject area.
Explore your area of interest in more detail and improve your career prospects by completing a PGDipArts. Develop your knowledge and expertise while refining your skills in research, writing and critical thinking.
You'll need to complete 120 points over one year, or if studying part time, over a maximum of four years.
As a postgraduate student you'll be part of a smaller class and can take advantage of closer relationships with academic staff.
If you want to study at an advanced level and have a B average in your Bachelor's degree for the discipline you intend to study, then consider completing a PGDipArts.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
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.
Other postgraduate study options
The PGDipArts is part of a tiered family of qualifications that are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step. You can enrol in one of the shorter qualifications initially, and build on your learning in your own time.
- the 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (PGCertArts)
- the 180-point Master of Arts (Coursework).
If you'd like to focus on research, you can choose the 120-point Bachelor of Arts (Hons) followed by the 120-point, thesis-based Master of Arts.
Workload
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.
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 government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study
Summer Research Scholarships
Take the opportunity to apply for a Summer Research Scholarship—where you'll work with academics and sometimes an external organisation on a research project over the summer. Applications normally close in September each year.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with a B range average.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.