Why Study / Key Benefits

Massey University’s Diploma in Arts (Indigenous Psychologies) provides an undergraduate-level introduction to how culture, Indigenous knowledge systems and community worldviews influence individual and group behaviour. The programme examines how Indigenous psychologies challenge the assumed universality of dominant Western psychological theories and why localised approaches are important in Aotearoa New Zealand and other cultural contexts.

Key benefits include:

• Study of Indigenous and localised approaches to psychology.
• Understanding of M?ori perspectives and bicultural approaches to psychology.
• Exploration of how Indigenous knowledge systems can address local concerns.
• Development of awareness and skills for engaging effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Exposure to applications across areas such as health, education, social services and policy.
• A pathway into further study, with Massey stating that the diploma provides foundational skills and awareness for further postgraduate study in psychology.
• Massey describes Indigenous Psychologies as the only specialisation of its kind in the South Pacific.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Diploma in Arts is a flexible 120-credit undergraduate qualification. The general structure consists of:

• 30 credits of compulsory core courses.
• 60 credits from the selected endorsement where an endorsement is taken.
• 30 credits of electives/additional courses.

For Indigenous Psychologies, the specialisation requires 60 credits.

The compulsory Indigenous Psychologies component allows students to choose 30 credits from:

• 175103 Introduction to Indigenous Psychologies – 15 credits.
  • Introduces the foundations and rationale of Indigenous psychologies and their applications in areas such as health, education, social services and policy.
• 175210 Nga Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology – 15 credits.
  • Examines culture and its significance in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the relationship between non-Western perspectives, M?ori worldviews and psychology's predominantly Western scientific paradigm.

Programme Highlights

• Undergraduate Diploma in Arts.
• Indigenous Psychologies endorsement.
• 120-credit qualification.
• 60-credit Indigenous Psychologies endorsement.
• 1.5 years part-time for this specific specialisation.
• Full-time study is not available for this endorsement because of course sequencing.
• Auckland, Manawata and distance/online study options are listed.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand or study on campus in New Zealand.
• Focus on Indigenous and localised psychological perspectives.
• Strong emphasis on Maori worldviews and bicultural perspectives in psychology.
• Includes study of Treaty of Waitangi, Maori perspectives and Pacific cultures.
• Courses can be transferred into a subsequent Bachelor of Arts at Massey, subject to applicable requirements.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies potential applications of the knowledge and skills gained through Indigenous Psychologies in areas where understanding human interaction and behaviour is important, including:

• Public health.
• Counselling.
• Psychological services.
• Education.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current programme-specific conditions are:

• The Indigenous Psychologies endorsement is part-time only.
• The stated duration is 1.5 years part-time.
• It is not available for full-time study because of course sequencing.
• There are no special academic entry requirements beyond university admission requirements.
• Students must meet Massey's English-language requirements.
• Some courses have prerequisites or restrictions.
• Advanced Indigenous Psychologies requires an appropriate 200-level psychology course.
• Students who already hold a bachelor's degree may request replacement courses for the standard core requirements, with evidence of the completed degree.
• Course availability can change, so students should confirm the actual courses offered in their intended semester before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

There are two different situations for this programme.

If studying online from outside New Zealand:

• Massey explicitly allows international students to study this qualification online from outside New Zealand.
• A New Zealand student visa is generally not required simply to undertake the programme while remaining outside New Zealand.
• The student must still satisfy Massey's international admission requirements and any requirements of the country from which they are studying.

If studying on campus in New Zealand:

• An international student needs an appropriate New Zealand student visa before undertaking the on-campus study.
• Immigration New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa is available for students paying international tuition fees themselves or with family, loan or scholarship support.
• Applicants need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• They must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, or acceptable sponsorship.
• They must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• They must satisfy health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• The visa can permit study for the approved course and, depending on the visa conditions, work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during eligible holidays.