Course details

Summary

Maori and Indigenous Studies is a broad subject that seeks to understand the culture, knowledge and philosophies of Maori 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 New Zealand's bicultural and multicultural landscape.

Why study Maori and Indigenous Studies at UC?

The Maori and Indigenous Studies degree is very flexible, allowing students the chance to pursue particular interests. Students majoring in other subject areas often take Maori courses to support their chosen field of study.

We offer courses on the Treaty of Waitangi, contemporary political issues, Maori and indigenous knowledge systems and the relationship with science, Maori and iwi development, Maori and indigenous health, Kaupapa Maori and critical theories, human rights, New Zealand and Maori histories, colonisation, Maori film, kapahaka, material culture and more.

Recommended preparation

Entry to first-year Maori 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.

The Bachelor of Arts requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• at least 255 points from Arts courses
• the remaining 105 points can be from either Arts courses or courses from other degrees.
• A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

It is possible to combine an Arts degree with other degrees such as the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Science.

Further study

The College of Arts has a wide range of options for postgraduate and graduate study with excellent research facilities. These include specialised research centres such as the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, Social Science Research Centre, New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies, Te Awatea Violence Research Centre and National Centre for Research on Europe.

Career opportunities

Career paths are opening up as a result of the increasing role of Maori 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 Maori 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 advisers and police officers.

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

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.