Course details

Summary

Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

A graduate diploma is a more in-depth version of a graduate certificate, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one year (two semesters) of full-time study.

To complete the qualifications, students need to gain 120 points at 100 level (first year papers) or above, including at least 80 points at 300 level (third year papers) or above, in the graduate diploma subjects.

English

English at Waikato prepares you for what employers want a trained mind and the ability to understand and creatively solve problems with words. You'll grow your appreciation for major literary works and a love for the English language.

Literature encompasses the total human experience and comes forth in stories, songs, laments and praise. It draws out the nuances of human nature and imagination and compliments the other arts.

English at Waikato stays relevant by constantly evolving and adapting to newer art forms including film, graphic novel and creative non-fiction.

No matter if you're an English major or just taking a few papers, you'll discover English is about answering deep artistic and aesthetic questions. And the quality you'll get at Waikato is excellent – we're a top 250 QS-rated subject.

You'll be immersed in fiction, plays and poetry and explore its potential to shape our world. You'll also have the choice to specialise in creative writing and learn from award-winning writers as well as have the opportunity to publish in Mayhem, our online literary journal. Your writing will gain clarity and subtlety as you develop your unique voice.

Our teaching staff come from a variety of literary backgrounds and contribute to course learning and cultural life on campus. We also host the annual Frank Sargeson Memorial Lecture to commemorate one of New Zealand's most important writers.

English at Waikato will develop your critical thinking skills and appreciation for English, as well as prepare you to be a creative problem solver in your future career.

Career opportunities

• Creative Writer
• Editor
• Freelance Writer
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Marketing Executive
• Public Relations Executive

Entry criteria

A qualification considered equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree with a B average.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.