University Of Canterbury Māori and Indigenous Studies

Qualifications

Overview

Māori and Indigenous Studies is a broad subject that seeks to understand the culture, knowledge, and philosophies of Māori 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 Aotearoa’s bicultural and multicultural landscape.

Why study Māori and Indigenous Studies at UC?

  • The Māori and Indigenous Studies programme is very flexible, allowing students the chance to pursue particular interests. Students majoring in other subject areas often take Māori courses to support their chosen field of study.
  • We offer courses on Te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty of Waitangi, contemporary political issues, Māori and indigenous knowledge systems and the relationship with science, Māori and iwi development, Māori and indigenous health, Kaupapa Māori and critical theories, human rights, Aotearoa New Zealand and Māori histories, colonisation, Māori film, kapahaka, material culture, and more.

Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies

Many students come to Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies to find and explore their identity as Aotearoa New Zealanders. Students from international backgrounds can also gain a greater understanding of local culture and practice.

Our staff in Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies operate as a whānau and we pride ourselves on being accessible in and out of classes in order to provide support and guidance for students. Staff teaching in Māori and Indigenous Studies engage with a number of research kaupapa that focus on the advancement of Māori development and knowledge.

Recommended preparation

Entry to first-year Māori and Indigenous Studies courses is open to all students with entry to the University. No special academic background is required and lecturers make every effort to ensure that you understand the material.

Courses

UC offers a major and a minor in Māori and Indigenous Studies as part of the Bachelor of Arts.

You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.

See also Te Reo Māori.



Māori and Indigenous Studies major

To complete a major in Māori and Indigenous Studies within the Bachelor of Arts, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

At least two courses chosen from:

  • MAOR 107 Aotearoa: Introduction to Traditional Māori Society
  • MAOR 108 Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
  • MAOR 170 Indigenous Peoples, Development and Anthropology
  • MAOR 172 Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge

200-level

  • Three 200-level MAOR courses

300-level

  • Two 300-level MAOR courses

Students are also encouraged to take courses in Te Reo Māori. Up to 45 points can be included in the major.

Students completing a double major in Te Reo Māori and Māori and Indigenous Studies in the Bachelor of Arts must complete a total of 270 unique points in the two course areas.

Māori and Indigenous Studies minor

For the Māori and Indigenous Studies minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level MAOR courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above

Career opportunities

Career paths are opening up as a result of the increasing role of Māori 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 Māori 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 advisors, and police officers.

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

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Māori and Indigenous Studies.

Contact us

Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies

Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email [email protected]

Location
1st Floor, Hikuraki (Te Ao Mārama) – see campus maps



Postal address
College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand