Course details

Summary

Maori and Indigenous Studies is a broad subject that seeks to understand the culture, knowledge and philosophies of Maori and indigenous peoples and their economic, political and social realities. These studies are increasingly seen as central to education, public policy and cultural competency in New Zealand's bicultural and multicultural landscape.

The 毛利 and Indigenous Studies degree is very flexible, allowing students the chance to pursue particular interests. Students majoring in other subject areas often take 毛利 courses to support their chosen field of study.

We offer courses on the Treaty of Waitangi, contemporary political issues, 毛利 and indigenous knowledge systems and the relationship with science, 毛利 and iwi development, 毛利 and indigenous health, Kaupapa 毛利 and critical theories, human rights, New Zealand and 毛利 histories, colonisation, 毛利 film, kapahaka, material culture and more.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree consists of coursework followed by a thesis. It provides the opportunity to make a contribution to knowledge while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research.

Qualification structure and duration

The Master of Arts degree consists of two parts:

Part I: Coursework

Part II: A thesis.

Honours may be awarded if the student completes within the timeframe indicated by the schedule. Distinction or Merit may be awarded if the student completes an MA by thesis-only in the timeframe indicated by the schedule and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

Further study

Doctor of Philosophy

Career opportunities

Career paths are opening up as a result of the increasing role of Maori culture as a defining element of national culture. Changing demographics, government policies and social attitudes will continue to see employment opportunities in the future for those with indigenous knowledge and competencies.

Careers are increasing in iwi and other Maori organisations, public health, research, teaching, government organisations and the wider community.

Recent UC graduates have found work as community development workers, city council liaison officers, policy analysts, journalists, archivists, museum education officers, conservation workers, secondary school teachers, librarians, lawyers, development advisers and police officers.

The broad skills gained from a BA include research, writing, critical thinking and communication; and are highly valued by employers and can enable employment opportunities in diverse careers.

Entry criteria

Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor's degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.