Entry Requirements
180 point: A Bachelors degree, or an equivalent, in a relevant subject with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II.
120 point: A Bachelors Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, or an equivalent, in a relevant subject with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
Duration
180 point: 3 years (part-time)
120 point: 2 years (part-time)
Full-time option available in 2025.
Next Start Dates
- 2025 Semester 1: 3 March (Applications close 17 February)
- Semester 2: 21 July (Applications close 7 July)
Full Programme Fees*
180 point: $14,293.20 (estimate)
120 point: $9,361.80 (estimate)
Master of Indigenous Studies Programme Overview
The Master of Indigenous Studies combines the innovations emerging from the world of Indigenous research. Throughout this degree, you will engage in a critical analysis of the political, cultural, social, economic, and methodological issues that Indigenous peoples face in their struggle for self-determination (tino rangatiratanga). This inclusive programme is ideal for those from a range of disciplinary backgrounds as it enhances career opportunities by building your knowledge, skills, and understanding of core Indigenous concepts, developments, and research methodologies. Underpinned by Indigenous worldviews, this qualification will give you the opportunity for intellectual engagement and learning, contributing to new insights and approaches to Indigenous issues and research. If you wish to learn more about the complex intercultural dynamics of colonial and post-colonial societies, grounded in the experience of Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand and drawing on global Indigenous research, this programme is for you!
Who, What, Why
Tracey McIntosh, MNZM, is Ngāi Tūhoe, a Professor of Indigenous Studies and the director of the Master of Indigenous Studies programme.
She is a sociologist by training and teaches in the area of Indigenous theory as well as contemporary issues for Māori and Indigenous peoples
She is also the Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Social Development and a Commissioner of Te Kāhui Tātari Ture: Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Learn more about the Master of Indigenous Studies programme directly from her in this video.
The Master of Indigenous Studies is available as a 180-points programme or a 120-point programme, depending on what level of study you have previously completed.
The Master of Indigenous Studies (180-points) consists of 5 courses. Each course runs over a 12-week Semester, enabling you to complete the programme in 3-years part-time, taking just one course at a time.
For the first two years of this programme, you will complete four taught courses (INDIGEN 700, 711, 712, & PACIFIC 714), and in your final year you will complete your Dissertation (INDIGEN 792A/B). For more detail about each of the courses, please see the table below.
The Master of Indigenous Studies (120-points) consists of 3 courses. Each course runs over a 12-week Semester, enabling you to complete the programme in 2-years part-time, taking just one course at a time.
In the first year of this qualification, you will take two taught courses (INDIGEN 700 & PACIFIC 714), and in your second and final year of this programme, you will complete your Dissertation (INDIGEN 792A/B).
* Starred courses are subject to regulatory approval.
Course Code |
Course |
Description |
Points |
| INDIGEN 700 | Indigenous Theories | Topics include cultural autonomy, political inclusion, land claims, urbanisation and Indigenous rights. Through a close reading of key texts and engaging in seminar discussions, students will deepen their insight into the knowledge systems that embody Indigenous world views and be able to critically and analytically engage with historical and contemporary issues in Indigenous Studies. | 30 |
| PACIFIC 714* | Pacific Research Methodologies and Practices | Analyses critical approaches to Pacific research development and evaluation of research design in Pacific Studies. Focuses on analytical engagement with a range of Pacific methodologies and methods in Pacific research. Includes application of theory to research questions and development of proposals for research that draw on Pacific world views and form a basis for robust, innovative and significant research contributions. | 30 |
| INDIGEN 711 | Indigenous Environmental Politics | Examines contemporary issues related to Indigenous peoples and the environment. There will be a particular focus on the interface between Indigenous peoples, governments and corporate bodies. Topics may include Indigenous responses to environmental degradation; Indigenous peoples and extractive industries; sustainable development; Indigenous environmental protest movements; land and treaty rights; traditional knowledge and resource protection; and Indigenous peoples and climate change. | 30 |
| INDIGEN 712 | Indigenous Psychologies | Examines the historical and material circumstances Indigenous peoples face and the emergence and development of Indigenous psychologies to respond to a range of social and psychological challenges. Covers topics relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous survival and flourishing including cultural contributions to health and collective and individual wellbeing. | 30 |
| INDIGEN 793A/B* | Dissertation | Examines key research issues for Indigenous peoples. Students will develop a focused understanding of relevant methodologies, ethics and cultural understandings in Indigenous Studies. Students will develop a research project that identifies a particular Indigenous issue and implement an appropriate methodology. | 60 |
As a graduate of the Master of Indigenous Studies, you will be able to:
- Display advanced specialist knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Studies scholarship and related fields.
- Apply advanced knowledge and arrive at original conclusions through a high-level research dissertation employing practices and scholarly standards of Indigenous Studies and cognate disciplines
- Express and present complex information and ideas clearly, in a variety of forms to diverse audiences, including academic and professional audiences as well as iwi, hapū and other Māori and Indigenous communities
- Draw on Māori cultural values such as whānaungatanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, kotahitanga and wairuatanga.
- Define complex problems with regard to their significance, ethical implications, and real-world challenges, using advanced skills in the analysis of social and cultural data.
- Take on leadership roles and have a positive impact in Māori and Indigenous communities as well as in mainstream academic, research, institutional, corporate and public service environments.
- Demonstrate substantive and sustained intellectual flexibility, self-assessment and self- directed learning for the benefit of career management as well as future personal and professional progress
- Show an appreciation of the global perspective in their chosen discipline(s), and an informed sense of the impact of the international environment on New Zealand and New Zealand’s contribution to the international environment
- Demonstrate a deep appreciation of human and cultural diversity with a respect for the ethical standards and values of individuals and groups from other cultures and other worldviews.
*Courses are paid per Semester. 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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $4.44 per point (online). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
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