UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY · NEW ZEALAND
Māori and Indigenous Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Focus on traditional and contemporary Māori and Indigenous issues.Curriculum Focus
- Develops critical analysis, problem-solving, writing, and communication skills.Key Skills
- Dynamic staff at the forefront of research.Expert Faculty
- Access to Māori services including mentoring and study environments.Student Support
- Opportunities for Honours, Master's, and PhD study.Postgraduate Pathways
The University of Canterbury (UC) offers programmes in Māori and Indigenous Studies and Te Reo Māori through its Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies. These programmes explore the social, cultural, and political dimensions of Māori and Indigenous peoples globally. You can delve into traditional Māori society, Mātauranga Māori, Māori philosophies, the Treaty of Waitangi, contemporary issues affecting Māori, and Iwi development. The study options allow for a broad overview or focused specialisation. The curriculum is designed to develop practical skills such as critical analysis, creative problem-solving, writing, and communication.
Curriculum
The Māori and Indigenous Studies programme offers a range of courses allowing students to tailor their study. Postgraduate options include Honours degrees, Master of Arts, Master of Te Reo Māori, Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership, and Doctor of Philosophy.
- Honours (BA Hons)
- MAOR403-425MAOR403-425
- MAOR480-482MAOR480-482
- Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis)
- ThesisMAOR690/TREO690
- Master of Te Reo Māori (Thesis & Papers)
- ThesisTREO690/TREO691
- Honours Level Papers
- Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctoral Research
Careers
The skills gained in Māori and Indigenous Studies are valuable for a range of careers, preparing students for professional roles or further postgraduate study.
- Roles in Iwi and Māori development
- Contemporary issue analysis
- Research positions
- Cultural advisory roles
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) in Māori and Indigenous Studies?
- For postgraduate study in Māori and Indigenous Studies, you typically need a Bachelor's degree with a major in the field and a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level. Specific entry criteria may vary, so it's advisable to contact the School for more information.
- How much are the international tuition fees for this programme?
- Information on international tuition fees for Māori and Indigenous Studies can be found on the University of Canterbury (UC) website. Specific fee details are usually updated and available closer to the enrolment period.
- What is the duration of the Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) programme?
- The programme structure indicates a Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) which usually follows a Bachelor's degree. The exact duration depends on the pace of your thesis research and completion of any required papers.
- What are the career prospects after completing a degree in Māori and Indigenous Studies?
- Graduates can pursue roles in Iwi and Māori development, contemporary issue analysis, research positions, and cultural advisory roles. The programme also prepares students for further postgraduate study.
- Are there any scholarships available for Māori and Indigenous Studies postgraduate students?
- Yes, scholarships such as the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship are available for postgraduate diploma, honours, and master’s students whose study aligns with the Centre's priorities. Other university-wide and government-funded scholarships may also be applicable.
- When is the application deadline for the Māori and Indigenous Studies programme?
- The enrolment application deadline for the academic year starting March 4, 2026, is April 16, 2026.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeMajor in Māori and Indigenous Studies or Te Reo Māori with at least a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level for postgraduate study.
Entry criteria for those with different qualifications may apply. Contact the School for more information. Postgraduate BA Honours courses require a minimum of three students wishing to enrol.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition fees can be found on the UC website.
Tuition (home)Domestic students can 'pay-as-you-learn'.
LivingInformation on living costs is available on the UC website.
The MBA programme is priced around NZ$43,931 (2026 rates for 180 points), but this is not directly applicable to Māori and Indigenous Studies.
How to apply
1. Check Admission and Enrolment InformationFind out what you need to know about the enrolment process at UC, including important dates and deadlines.
2. Review Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and any English language requirements for your chosen programme. For postgraduate study in Māori and Indigenous Studies, a Bachelor's degree with a major in the field and a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level is typically required.
3. Check Fees and ScholarshipsUnderstand the tuition fees applicable to you (domestic or international) and explore available scholarships to help fund your studies.
4. Submit ApplicationFollow the university's application procedures. Specific details may vary depending on the programme and applicant status.
5. EnrolmentOnce accepted, complete the enrolment process by the specified deadlines.
Scholarships
The Gough MBA Leaders ScholarshipFinancial support (specific amount not stated)
Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship—
Pacific Community Scholarship—
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship—
Manaaki NZ ScholarshipsFull scholarships
UC Scholarships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) in Māori and Indigenous Studies?
+
For postgraduate study in Māori and Indigenous Studies, you typically need a Bachelor's degree with a major in the field and a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level. Specific entry criteria may vary, so it's advisable to contact the School for more information.
How much are the international tuition fees for this programme?
+
Information on international tuition fees for Māori and Indigenous Studies can be found on the University of Canterbury (UC) website. Specific fee details are usually updated and available closer to the enrolment period.
What is the duration of the Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) programme?
+
The programme structure indicates a Master of Arts (Part 2 - Thesis) which usually follows a Bachelor's degree. The exact duration depends on the pace of your thesis research and completion of any required papers.
What are the career prospects after completing a degree in Māori and Indigenous Studies?
+
Graduates can pursue roles in Iwi and Māori development, contemporary issue analysis, research positions, and cultural advisory roles. The programme also prepares students for further postgraduate study.
Are there any scholarships available for Māori and Indigenous Studies postgraduate students?
+
Yes, scholarships such as the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship are available for postgraduate diploma, honours, and master’s students whose study aligns with the Centre's priorities. Other university-wide and government-funded scholarships may also be applicable.
When is the application deadline for the Māori and Indigenous Studies programme?
+
The enrolment application deadline for the academic year starting March 4, 2026, is April 16, 2026.