The Certificate in Indigenous Narrative (CertIndigNarr) at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a 60-point Level 5 qualification focused on Maori, Pacific and other Indigenous storytelling, particularly in digital media. UC describes it as professional development for people working in creative media industries such as film, broadcasting and video games, as well as for learners seeking a foundation in culturally informed Indigenous representation. 

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop an understanding of M?ori, Pacific and other Indigenous narrative traditions and perspectives.
• Learn how Indigenous stories can be represented in contemporary digital media.
• Explore storytelling for films, video games and other creative-media formats.
• Develop the ability to create stories, characters, narratives and worlds that are meaningful, ethical and culturally inclusive.
• Particularly relevant for people already working in cinema, broadcasting, video games and other creative-media industries who want to strengthen their Indigenous cultural awareness.
• The programme can help creative professionals understand the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous representations of Indigenous peoples.
• UC identifies growing industry demand for people with technical and cultural expertise in Indigenous representation.
• The certificate can provide a pathway into further Arts or Digital Screen study at UC.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 60-point certificate consists of three compulsory courses and one elective.

Compulsory courses:

• TITO101 – M?ori Storytelling
• TITO201 – Indigilit: Indigenous Literature in Aotearoa and Beyond
• TITO202 – Kiriata: M?ori Film and Media

Students then choose one approved elective from:

• DISC101 – Storytelling for the Digital Screen
• DISC212 – Screenwriting: Research and Story Development
• ENGL118 – Creative Writing: Skills, Techniques and Practice
• MAOR107 – Te Ara o T?whaki: M?ori Thought, Beliefs and Practices
• PACS311 – Pacific Cultural Knowledge and Digital Innovation
• TITO301 – Indigenous Stories, Digital Realms.

Key subject areas therefore include:

• M?ori storytelling
• Indigenous literature
• Indigenous film and media
• Digital storytelling
• Screenwriting
• Creative writing
• M?ori thought, beliefs and practices
• Pacific cultural knowledge
• Digital innovation
• Indigenous stories in digital environments.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Certificate in Indigenous Narrative does not currently have separate formal majors or specialisations.

Instead, students follow the common three-course Indigenous Narrative core and select one elective.

The broader Indigenous Narrative subject area at UC connects with:

• Digital Screen
• Film and media
• Screenwriting
• Creative writing
• M?ori studies
• Pacific studies
• Indigenous storytelling
• Digital innovation.

Programme Highlights

• Level 5 New Zealand qualification.
• 60 points.
• Three compulsory courses plus one elective.
• February and July start options.
• Designed as professional development as well as a university-level qualification.
• Focus on M?ori, Pacific and other Indigenous narrative traditions.
• Strong connection with digital media, film, television and gaming.
• Develops ethical and culturally inclusive storytelling skills.
• Suitable for creative-media professionals wanting to strengthen Indigenous representation skills.
• Can support progression into the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours.
• Completed courses may also provide a pathway or transfer opportunity into Arts undergraduate study, subject to UC's rules.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies potential careers and professional directions including:

• Creative advisor
• Screenwriter
• Concept designer
• Media director
• Media producer
• Film and video-game screenwriter
• Copywriter
• Creative consultant
• Indigenous cultural/creative advisor
• Digital-media roles involving Indigenous representation.

The programme can also be useful to existing professionals in:

• Film
• Television
• Broadcasting
• Video games
• Digital media
• Creative production
• Advertising and related creative industries.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• UC's current qualification page lists 60 points and February/July starts.
• The detailed programme structure says the certificate will usually be completed within six months part-time and can be completed within a maximum of five years part-time.
• The qualification remains current on the NZQF at Level 5 with 60 credits.
• There are three compulsory TITO courses plus one elective.
• No separate portfolio or previous creative-industry qualification is stated as a general entry requirement.
• Students need University Entrance or equivalent.
• International students whose first language is not English must meet UC's undergraduate English requirements.
• The programme is particularly relevant to digital screen industries and was developed in response to industry demand for stronger Indigenous representation and cultural competence.
• UC's current Digital Screen environment includes the Dovedale-based Digital Screen Campus, which supports film, game production, animation and screen-related study.
• The supplied IPU link is unrelated to this certificate and currently refers to the Master of Contemporary International Studies, which is no longer accepting new enrolments. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students travelling to New Zealand to study this qualification would generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to their individual circumstances and approved study arrangement.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants need:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient money to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Evidence satisfying applicable health and character requirements.
• Genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for onward travel, where required.