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.

This postgraduate diploma is ideal for graduates wishing to undertake advanced study in a humanities or social science specialisation. Like its sister programme, the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts, the PGDipArts is very flexible; students can choose between a number of course combinations, and it offers a convenient taught pathway to other postgraduate study opportunities.

A graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts will have an advanced level of knowledge in one discipline or area of specialisation cultivated over a full year of study or equivalent. During this time they will have developed such skills as:

• the ability to analyse and evaluate academic literature in that area
• the ability to synthesize information and communicate their findings in both oral and written form
• self-directed learning and intellectual independence.

Qualification structure and duration

A student must complete at least 120 points from taught courses, as approved by the Head of Department and the Dean of Arts.

Further study

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts graduates are well positioned to continue their studies. Subject to the approval of the Dean of Arts (and provided the courses fall within the time limits for the higher award), a student may transfer PGDipArts courses passed with a B grade or higher to:

the Bachelor of Arts with Honours

the coursework section of a master's degree (there are a number of taught master's operated by the College of Arts).

UC also offers a research-based Master of Arts and the 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

Candidates must have qualified for a Bachelor of Arts or an equivalent degree and satisfied the prerequisites for the subject concerned. Prerequisites vary between departments, but normally good grades in 300-level courses in that subject are required.

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.