In 1988 Hayward enrolled with the University of Canterbury in Christchurch to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and History, which he received on 8 May 1991. Following this, he commenced a Master's Degree program in 1991. For his thesis, Hayward analyzed the historiography of Holocaust denial. Hayward was also required to complete four honours papers, which he wrote during 1992. These papers (awarded an A-, two As, and an A+) together constituted half of Hayward's master's program. Hayward's thesis was written in 1991, prior to his four honours papers, with the conclusion written in early 1993. His M.A. in History with First Class Honours was conferred on 7 May 1993. His thesis was judged the best history thesis of his year and it won him the Sir James Hight Memorial Prize for "excellence" and the honour of wearing the Philip Ross May Gown at the graduation ceremony.