Global perspectives in a New Zealand context

The Master of Indigenous Studies positions Māori and Pacific cultures and histories in the global context of indigenous colonial and post-colonial experiences, cultural rights, and self determination.

Take your undergraduate degree in Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, or Education to the next level, or get a qualification that underpins your career supporting Māori and indigenous communities here or overseas.

Programmes

Ethical, respectful, culturally appropriate

You’ll learn to debate and negotiate indigenous issues in a persuasive, sophisticated, culturally appropriate, and respectful manner. Explore indigenous perspectives on sustainable development, resource management, governance, language, education, economics, or science.

Deepen your understanding of the ethical responsibilities of indigenous research, and conceptualise and articulate your knowledge of indigenous political and cultural relationships.

Tailoring your degree

You can choose to complete your qualification with a dissertation, a research project on a topic of your choice, or an internship.

Choose the strand that interests you the most, and specialise in a Māori, Pasifika or education topic.

370 million

Estimated number of indigenous people, worldwide. Reference: The World Bank

MIndS Master of Indigenous Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$15,471for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures, workshops and self-directed study
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 180 points (12 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or equivalent in a relevant subject.

PGDipIndS Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$10,324for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures, workshops and self-directed study
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 120 points (8 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or equivalent in a relevant subject.

PGCertIndS Postgraduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies

  • Duration trimester
  • Fees NZ$5,178for the full programme
  • Schedule Lectures, workshops and self-directed study
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ -1 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 60 points (4 courses)
  • Entry A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or equivalent in a relevant subject.

Careers

As New Zealand’s Crown–Māori relations move into a new phase, more people with a deep understanding of mātauranga Māori are needed right across the New Zealand government.

With a grounding in the political context of Aotearoa and an intimate knowledge of the common issues other indigenous peoples face, you’ll be positioned well for opportunities in government, non-government, and diplomatic organisations—both here and overseas.

Or take your experience into the education system, and support tino rangatiratanga in New Zealand’s schools.

Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s political and diplomatic life. Get the opportunity to intern in an organisation that’s dealing with indigenous issues and experiences every day, or hear from those working at the coalface in the country’s government and development agencies.

Community

Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.

Scholarships

The Phillipa and Morvin Williams Scholarship is available to students studying Māori language cultural heritage or Māori language.

Look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.