Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Arts (Maori Studies) provides academic knowledge of Maori society and culture, with particular attention to te reo Maori, Maori worldviews and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Students develop knowledge and skills relevant to social, cultural, economic and political structures and processes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• The programme is designed to help students apply Maori Studies knowledge in areas such as education, health, research, policy, and whanau, hapu, iwi and community development.
• The qualification is flexible: students can combine the Maori Studies major with another major or an optional minor, subject to the BA regulations.
• The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in Indigenous studies, Maori development, public policy, community development, education, research and New Zealand society.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Maori Studies major is 120 credits within the 360-credit BA. Current Maori Studies courses cover Maori knowledge, culture, language, health, politics, policy and contemporary issues.

Examples of current courses include:

• 150114 He Tirohanga Taketake: Maori Perspectives – Maori knowledge, customs, economic foundations, philosophy, technology and social organisation.
• 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society – the Treaty of Waitangi, its background, principles and contemporary application, including land, legislation, social policy and Treaty settlements.
• 300110 Te Reo Whakahoahoa: Socialising in Te Reo – introductory Maori language structures, terminology and pronunciation.
• 300209 Te Reo Torangapu: Political Te Reo – Maori political discourse, activism, oral genres and written communication.

Other subject options include:

• 139362 Oceanic Literatures of Aotearoa
• 150112 Hauora Tangata: Foundations of Maori Health
• 150113 Tatai Whetu – Maori and Indigenous Astronomy
• 150202 Mauri Ora: Maori Wellbeing and Vitality
• 150204 Mana Maori: Maori and Politics
• 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Maori Knowledge
• 150301 Te Mana Te Kawanatanga: Maori Policy and the State
• 150302 Whanau Ora: Principles of Flourishing Whanau
• 150303 Mana Wahine: Maori Women
• 150304 Te Ao Hurihuri: Contemporary Maori Issues
• 269332 Maori Issues in Education. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The primary specialisation is Maori Studies, a 120-credit major within the BA.

The BA also permits a second major. Students completing a double major normally complete at least 120 credits in each major, subject to the BA regulations.

The BA also offers minors. Maori Studies itself is available as a minor for students taking another major, while students majoring in Maori Studies can choose an appropriate minor from the BA, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science, subject to the relevant regulations.

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Bachelor of Arts completed in normally 3 years full-time.
• 120-credit Maori Studies major.
• Distance and online delivery for the Maori Studies specialisation.
• International students can study the programme online from outside New Zealand.
• Focus on Maori culture, Maori worldviews, te reo Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Study areas extend into Maori health, politics, policy, education, wellbeing, Indigenous knowledge and contemporary Maori issues.
• Flexible BA structure allows students to combine the major with electives, a minor or potentially a second major.
• The programme can provide a foundation for postgraduate study in Maori Studies and related areas. Massey currently lists postgraduate options including Critical Studies in Maori Development, Hauora and Maori Education.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies career pathways for Maori Studies graduates in areas including:

• Community work
• Foreign affairs
• Maori development
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Teaching. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme page is active and identifies Maori Studies as a Distance and online specialisation.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Massey states that not all courses are available in every year, so course availability should be confirmed before enrolment.
• There are no additional programme-specific admission requirements beyond Massey's university admission requirements.
• Students who already hold a bachelor's degree may be able to replace the BA courses 230111 or 230112 through a special-permission process, subject to Massey's requirements.
• Students without previous Maori-language experience can begin with introductory Te Reo content such as 300110, while Maori-language speakers are advised to contact Massey before enrolling in language courses. 

International Student Visa Requirements

There is an important distinction for this programme.

Massey specifically states that international students can study the Maori Studies BA online from outside New Zealand.

If the student remains outside New Zealand and studies the programme entirely online, a New Zealand student visa is generally not required because the student is not travelling to New Zealand to undertake study. This programme page is specifically designed to allow international students to study online from outside New Zealand.

If a student instead intends to study in New Zealand in person, Immigration New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa is the relevant visa category. Current requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees or an approved scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Meeting other immigration and character/health requirements.
• Visa cost from NZ$850.
• Stay of up to 4 years, depending on the circumstances and course.
• Current processing information states 80% of applications are processed within 8 weeks.