Program Overview
The Maori and Indigenous Studies at University of Canterbury is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Maori and Indigenous Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across New Zealand and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: AUD 33,383 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 6,556 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Maori and Indigenous Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Aotearoa: Introduction to Traditional Maori Society
- Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
- He Timatanga: Engaging with Maori
- Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge
- Maori and Indigenous Development
- Te Ao Tawhito: The Ancient Maori World
- Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
- Ethnicity and History
- Te Ao Hauora Tangata: Maori Health Perspectives
- Kapa Haka - Introducing Maori Performing Arts
- Oral Traditions and Modern Histories of Ngai Tahu
- Kaupapa Maori: Contemporary Issues in Maori and Indigenous Societies
- Takahi: Colonisation
- Research Essay
- Whakaaro Wairua: Maori Spiritual Beliefs and Philosophies
- Independent Research Essay
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelors degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard. You are also required to meet UCs English language requirements.
Qualification specific requirements- Candidates must have qualified for a bachelor\'s degree and satisfied the prerequisites for the subject concerned. Prerequisites vary between departments, but normally good grades in 300-level courses in the subject concerned are required.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
AUD 33,383 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 6,556 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: AUD 33,383 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; AUD 6,556 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Canterbury directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
public research university in Christchurch, New Zealand
University Profile- Start Date Oct, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
