Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Maori Studies (Maori Education) develops advanced knowledge of Maori education through Maori knowledge, critical inquiry and culturally grounded educational practice.
• The Maori Education specialisation focuses on culturally responsive teaching, educational leadership, education policy, curriculum, educational practice and engagement with Maori learners and their whanau.
• Students examine how education policy affects Maori education and explore Maori and Indigenous approaches to education, advocacy, community engagement and educational success.
• The programme is particularly relevant for students who want to contribute to Maori schooling, bilingual or Maori-medium education, educational leadership, policy, curriculum development or research.
• Massey describes itself as a Tiriti-inspired institution and incorporates te reo Maori, matauranga Maori and te ao Maori perspectives into its educational environment.
• The programme can be studied online from outside New Zealand, making it accessible to international students who do not need to relocate to New Zealand for the qualification. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-credit Master of M?ori Studies consists of Part One and Part Two.

Part One includes a 30-credit core research-methodology component:

• 150714 T Te Maori Rangahau Karero: Maori Research Methodologies – 30 credits

This course examines research methodologies appropriate for Maori communities, iwi, hapa and whanau. It covers Maori research frameworks, ethical considerations, research design and approaches to accessing and evaluating relevant information.

For the Maori Education specialisation, the compulsory course is:

• 269711 Policy and Development in Maori Education – 30 credits

This course critically examines policies affecting M?ori education and explores the role of the state, schools, urban communities and iwi in education policy, development and practice.

Coursework Pathway options include:

• 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in Maori & Indigenous Education – 30 credits
• 269734 Mana Whanau: Whanau Engagement in Education – 30 credits

Mana Motuhake examines power, politics, resistance, advocacy, activism and Maori and Indigenous rights and aspirations in education.

Mana Whanau examines wh?nau participation in education and ways educational institutions and organisations can work with M?ori communities to improve social, cultural and educational outcomes.

Additional subject courses may include:

• 150701 Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Maori Development
• 150702 Pae Ora: Maori Health Advancement
• 150703 He Tatai Arorangi: Maori Astronomy
• 150704 He Hokinga Mahara: Hauora theory to praxis
• 150710 Te Arero Kaiaka
• 150711 Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo: Advanced Maori Literature
• 150740 Hangarau: Maori and technology
• 150741 Te Amokura: Contemporary Leadership in Maori Development
• 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in Maori & Indigenous Education
• 269734 Mana Whanau: Whanau Engagement in Education.

Part Two offers two pathways.

Coursework Pathway:

• 150873 Research Report Maori Studies – 60 credits

Research Pathway:

• 90- or 120-credit thesis option
• 150816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 150817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits
• or
• 150881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 – 45 credits
• 150882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 – 45 credits

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Maori Studies currently has four subjects/specialisations:

• Maori Education
• Te Reo
• Hauora
• Critical Studies in Maori Development

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180-credit programme.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Specialisation focused specifically on Maori education.
• Strong emphasis on Maori knowledge, culturally grounded educational practice and critical analysis.
• Includes dedicated study of Maori education policy and development.
• Offers both Coursework and Research pathways.
• Research pathway can include a 90- or 120-credit thesis.
• The programme can support progression towards academic, policy, educational leadership and research-oriented careers.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies the following potential career directions for graduates of the Maori Education specialisation:

• Maori education specialist
• Curriculum designer or advisor
• Kura kaupapa or bilingual education leader
• Lecturer or academic researcher
• Maori language teacher or revitalisation coordinator
• Education policy advisor.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current Massey qualification regulations confirm that Maori Education is one of four available Master of Maori Studies subjects.
• Progression requirements differ between the two pathways:
  • Coursework Pathway: at least a B average across the first 60 credits of Part One.
  • Research Pathway: at least a B+ average across the first 60 credits of Part One.
• The programme is currently offered by Distance and online and is explicitly open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• Some courses have prerequisites or appraisal requirements. For example, Te Arero Kaiaka requires specified prior Maori-language study or appraisal.
• The exact research-topic approval/supervisor requirements for an individual thesis project are not fully detailed on the programme page – please confirm with IPU and Massey before advising a research applicant.
• Massey's current 2027 international prospectus continues to list Maori Education as a 1.5-year master's pathway with February or July commencement.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student completing the qualification entirely online from outside New Zealand, a New Zealand student visa is generally not required because the student is not entering New Zealand to undertake the study.

Massey explicitly states that this qualification is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

If a student instead intends to undertake the programme while physically studying in New Zealand, the relevant immigration pathway is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's current rules and the student's individual circumstances.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an approved scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Appropriate medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Evidence relating to onward travel/departure where required.
• Applications should generally be submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.