Master of Arts

The Master of Arts (MA) program at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand offers a versatile and flexible postgraduate degree allowing students to delve into various fields of study within the arts. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and in-depth exploration of chosen disciplines or interdisciplinary studies.

Curriculum: The MA program's curriculum at AUT is diverse, catering to students' specific academic interests and career goals. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies by selecting from a wide range of subjects across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, languages, creative arts, communication, or interdisciplinary studies. The program may include coursework, research projects, or a thesis component, depending on the chosen pathway.

Research Focus: The MA program encourages research-led learning, enabling students to engage in independent research projects, thesis writing, or dissertations. It emphasizes developing research methodologies, critical analysis, and scholarly writing skills to produce original and significant contributions to their chosen field of study.

Industry Engagement: While the MA program primarily focuses on academic research and critical inquiry, opportunities for industry engagement may vary depending on the chosen specialization. Students may have access to industry partnerships, guest lectures, or opportunities for practical application of their research in relevant professional settings.

Global Perspective: The Master of Arts program promotes a global perspective by encouraging students to explore diverse cultural, social, and global issues within their chosen fields. Through comparative studies, international collaborations, or global research initiatives, students gain insights into global trends, cultural diversity, and international perspectives within their discipline.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 22.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

AUT is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students through several scholarship programs. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and contributions to the community. 

AUT International Scholarships: These scholarships are merit-based and available to high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. They cover tuition fees or offer partial financial support based on academic excellence.

AUT Doctoral Scholarships: Targeted at international students undertaking doctoral studies, these scholarships provide financial assistance to cover tuition fees and living expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their research pursuits.

Specific Program Scholarships: AUT offers scholarships designed for particular fields of study or programs, encouraging talented individuals with specific interests or expertise to excel in their chosen disciplines.

External Funding Opportunities: AUT assists international students in identifying and applying for external scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities offered by governments, organizations, and foundations to further support their educational journey.

Research Grants and Fellowships: Postgraduate students engaged in research at AUT can apply for grants and fellowships that cover research-related expenses, enabling them to conduct in-depth studies and contribute to their respective fields.

Graduates of Auckland University of Technology's Master of Arts (MA) program possess versatile skills and knowledge, providing them with a broad array of potential career pathways across various sectors. 

1. Academia/Higher Education: Graduates may pursue academic roles as lecturers, researchers, or professors in universities, sharing their expertise and contributing to the academic community through teaching and research.

2. Researcher: Opportunities exist as researchers in research institutions, think tanks, or government agencies, conducting independent research, contributing to scholarly publications, or undertaking research projects in their field of specialization.

3. Arts Administration: Careers in arts administration involve working in cultural organizations, museums, art galleries, or non-profit organizations, managing exhibitions, cultural programs, or fundraising initiatives.

4. Communications/ Media: Graduates can work in media or communications, utilizing their analytical and research skills in journalism, content creation, editing, or media research for publishing houses, media companies, or digital platforms.

5. Creative Industries: Opportunities exist in the creative industries, including roles in writing, publishing, filmmaking, photography, design, or other creative fields where strong analytical and communication skills are valuable.

6. Public Relations/Marketing: Graduates may work in public relations or marketing roles, utilizing their research and communication skills in creating campaigns, market analysis, or brand management for companies or agencies.

7. Cultural Policy Development: Careers in cultural policy involve contributing to policy-making and cultural strategy development for government bodies, cultural institutions, or arts councils.

8. Non-Profit Organizations: Opportunities exist in non-profit organizations or NGOs, working in roles related to advocacy, community engagement, program coordination, or research initiatives.

9. Government and Public Sector: Graduates can work in government departments or public sector organizations in various capacities such as policy analysis, research, or program management.

10. Consulting: Careers in consulting involve providing expertise and advisory services in various sectors, utilizing research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.