Te Kawa a Māui – School of Māori Studies

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2012 academic year unless otherwise specified.

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Te Kawa a Māui offers postgraduate programmes in a number of disciplines. The School offers a:

Graduate Diploma in Arts (GDipArts)

The GDipArts is designed as a pathway for students to do study in a discipline that they did not major in at undergraduate level. On completion of the GDipArts students may be able to enrol in the Māori Studies Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) or Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) programmes.

For further information on the requirements and application process, please refer to the GDipArts page on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' website. Students interested in this option should contact the Head of School or Postgraduate Coordinator to discuss and plan their programme.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts)

The PGDipArts is offered in Māori Studies only. It is intended for students eligible to study at 400 level, but not wishing to undertake the research component required for a BA(Hons).

For further information on the requirements and application process, please refer to the PGDipArts page on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' website.

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Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a Māori Studies major may apply for entrance to a BA(Hons) in Māori Studies. The requirements are MAOR 489 and 90 points from MAOR 401-488. The Honours degree differs from undergraduate programmes in that the four courses that comprise the degree are evaluated as a whole.

For further information on the requirements and application process, please refer to the BA(Hons) page on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' website and to the contact details for the Postgraduate Coordinator below.

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Master of Arts (MA)

The courses offered in the Master's programme will give students indepth knowledge and understanding of the historical foundations and contemporary formations of Māori society, i.e. its history, arts, language and culture. The programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students to develop research skills with an emphasis on their respective areas of interest.

Students pursuing an MA in Māori Studies can choose from the following options:

  1. Thesis (MAOR 591); or
  2. Thesis (MAOR 592, 75%) and MAOR 408* (25%); or
  3. MAOR 595 (50%), MAOR 408* (25%) and one course from MAOR 502-511 (25%); or
  4. MAOR 589 (25%), MAOR 408* (25%) and two courses from MAOR 502-511 (50%).

* If MAOR 408 has already been passed for BA(Hons), it may be replaced in 2, 3 or 4 by an approved course from MAOR 502-511; one optional course in 2, 3 or 4 may be replaced by an approved Honours or Master's course.

The programme generic objectives are to enable students to:

  • think and write critically
  • develop capacity for independent study and learning
  • refine skills in seminar presentation and oral debate
  • be familiar with the standards required of scholarly articles
  • learn to construct and de-construct positions in respect of Māori issues
  • familiarise students with the range of perspectives in Māori issues
  • develop an understanding of theories relevant to a discourse in Māori issues
  • provide students with skills to enable them to participate in the scholarly and public discourse relating to Māori.

A variety of delivery methods are employed depending on the nature of the course. Some courses are taught wānanga style during the weekends. Other courses are offered during the trimester and in the evening. Students also have the option to engage in culture courses in either te reo Māori or English.

For further information on the requirements and application process, please refer to the MA page on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' website. Students interested in this option should contact the Head of School or Postgraduate Coordinator to discuss and plan their programme.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is the highest degree awarded by the University. Victoria offers the opportunity for intending PhD candidates who are established researchers to apply for permission to submit a thesis based on previously published work. The thesis is expected to make substantial contribution to knowledge and understanding in a particular field.

For more information and the requirements and application process, please refer to the PhD page on the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' website.

Students interested in a PhD should also contact the Head of School or Postgraduate Coordinator to discuss and plan their programme.

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Postgraduate Coordinators

If you are interested in undertaking postgraduate study in our School, please contact our Postgraduate Coordinators: