About the course

Learn about humanities and gain new skills. Prepare for postgraduate study or enhance your career prospects.

Available from 2027

The Graduate Certificate in Arts (GCertArts) will be offered from 2027.

Expand your knowledge and boost your skills

Whether you want to study something new, enhance your career prospects, or get up to date with humanities and social sciences theory, our Graduate Certificate in Arts (GCertArts) has options to suit your goals.

Part time or full time, the 60-point GCertArts is a great way to get familiar with a new subject and learn new skills. The Certificate can also prepare you for postgraduate study, such as the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Master of Arts. You may also be able to credit the courses you study in the GCertArts to a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

The GCertArts can be completed in one trimester when studied full time.

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.

Who can study for a GCertArts

You can study for a GCertArts if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject.

What you'll learn

Understand complex subject matter, gain advanced skills and knowledge, and learn from the best.

We have more A‑rated researchers than any other New Zealand university in key humanities and arts fields. We’re also the top university in New Zealand for research intensity—according to the Performance‑Based Research Fund, we have the highest proportion of academics producing high‑quality research in the country.

Investigate contemporary topics and hone your skills in:

critical and conceptual analysis
communication—including written, verbal, non-verbal, visual, and intercultural
consequential thinking
cultural knowledge and skills
data and information analysis
human behaviour and motivation
interpretation and meaning
problem solving
research design and methodology
strategic thinking and planning.

How you'll study

To complete the Certificate, you’ll study 200 and 300-level courses, with at least 40 points at 300-level.

You can choose from more than 40 subjects in the GCertArts.

If you study full time you can complete the GCertArts in one trimester.

Continue your studies

The Certificate can prepare you for postgraduate study, such as the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Master of Arts. You may also be able to credit the courses you study in the GCertArts to a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

We’ve offered the Humanities and Arts for over a century, with many of our subjects consistently ranked in the world’s top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. Whatever area you want to explore, you’ll be joining a community that values understanding people, culture, and society. As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s political life and the creative economy. From Wētā FX, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Te Papa Tongarewa, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, connect with and learn from leaders making their mark.

Your future career

GCertArts graduates work in a wide range of roles that make the most of their communication, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Graduates are employed in every part of the workforce. The kinds of roles and industries you work in depends on your chosen subject.

Industries can include:

consulting
government and policy
tourism and translation
social services
think tanks.

You could go for these early career roles:

administration
content writing
coordination.

FHSS Internship

The FHSS Internship course, run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, helps develop practical workplace experience.

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

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

Search scholarships.

Scholarships for Māori students

Scholarships for women

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

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

Student support

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.