MLitt - Master of Literature

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The MLitt is an alternative to the PhD if you already have a masters degree and want to complete a substantial research project.

You can complete an MLitt in most subjects offered by the Faculty of Arts and Education, subject to approval and availability of supervision. You can further your research interests in the same subject as your first masters degree, or undertake research in a new area.

An MLitt could be useful for a range of academic or professional careers, especially if you don’t want to undertake doctoral study.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.

University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Research (120 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

A Masters degree with First or Second Class Honours

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

The approval of the relevant Academic Head or nominee.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

In exceptional cases, completed the requirements for one of the other preliminary qualifications that would be required for enrolment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and receive the approval of the relevant Academic Head or nominee.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

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Student loans and allowances

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Cost of living

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Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2026 Semester Two	08 June 2026	20 July 2026	16 November 2026

1 - 2

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a Masters degree with First or Second Class Honours

(ii) in exceptional cases, completed the requirements for one of the other preliminary qualifications that would be required for enrolment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

and

b the approval of the relevant Academic Head or nominee.

2 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass a thesis with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

3 Research Masters

A student enrolled for this degree must complete a 120 point thesis, based on original research in one of the subjects available in Arts or Theology.

4 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

5 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the relevant Academic Head or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

6 A thesis rejected for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy may not be submitted for this degree.

7 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

8 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.