Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Diploma in Arts (Maori Studies) provides an introduction to te ao Maori, the Maori world, with study covering Maori language, visual arts, Aotearoa heritage, Maori policy and development, and Maori health.
• Te reo Maori courses begin at an introductory level for students without previous Maori-language experience, allowing students to progressively develop their language knowledge.
• The programme also develops understanding of Maori culture and society through subjects such as tikanga, Treaty of Waitangi studies, matauranga Maori, Maori politics, policy, wellbeing and contemporary issues.
• The Diploma in Arts can be used as a pathway into a Bachelor of Arts. Massey specifically states that all courses completed in the Diploma in Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts if the student subsequently proceeds to that degree.
• The qualification is particularly relevant to students interested in Indigenous studies, M?ori culture and language, New Zealand society, policy, community development, education, research and related areas.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Diploma in Arts consists of eight 15-credit courses, totalling 120 credits, when studied full-time.

The Maori Studies endorsement requires at least 60 credits from the Maori Studies schedule. Current courses include:

• 150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Maori – introduces skills for engaging with Maori communities, common te reo Maori expressions, key Maori concepts, tikanga, the Treaty of Waitangi, and Maori social and political organisations.
• 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society – examines the Treaty’s background, texts, principles and contemporary application, including land, legislation, courts, social policy, environmental and constitutional issues, Tribunal claims and Treaty settlements.
• 150205 Kura Mai Tawhiti: Maori Knowledge – examines Maori heritage and contemporary matauranga, including traditional belief systems and contemporary Maori knowledge frameworks in research, education, justice, science, business, social development and the environment.

Other current Maori Studies subject courses include:

• 150113 Tatai Wheta – Maori and Indigenous Astronomy
• 150202 Mauri Ora: Maori Wellbeing and Vitality
• 150204 Mana Maori: Maori and Politics
• 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.

There are also eligible subject/elective courses such as:

• 139362 Oceanic Literatures of Aotearoa: Nga Tuhinga Karero o te Moana nui a Kiwa
• 150112 Hauora Tangata: Foundations of Maori Health.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The specific specialisation is Maori Studies.

The Diploma in Arts can be completed with or without an endorsement. Current approved endorsements include:

• Maori Studies
• Te Reo Maori
• Indigenous Psychologies
• Linguistics
• History
• Education
• English
• Geography
• Politics and International Relations
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Media Studies
• Japanese
• Chinese
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• and other listed Arts subjects.

Programme Highlights

• Undergraduate Diploma in Arts at NZQF level 5.
• 120 credits, normally completed in one year full-time.
• Distance and online delivery.
• Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• Maori Studies endorsement of at least 60 credits.
• Introduces students to te ao Maori, Maori language, visual arts, Aotearoa heritage, Maori policy and development, and Maori health.
• Maori-language courses are designed to accommodate students without previous Maori-language experience.
• All Diploma in Arts courses can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts if the student later proceeds to that degree.
• Provides a shorter undergraduate pathway for students who want to explore Maori Studies before progressing to a full bachelor's degree.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of career possibilities for Maori Studies graduates, including:

• Community work
• Foreign affairs
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Teaching
• Translation services.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current Maori Studies Diploma in Arts page is active and accepts international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• The current qualification regulations list Maori Studies as an approved 60-credit endorsement.
• The programme does not require previous Maori-language study. Introductory language courses are available for students with no previous experience.
• Some higher-level courses have prerequisites, so course planning is important.
• Not all courses are available every year, and course availability can vary.
• If a student has already completed a bachelor's degree, Massey permits replacement of the Diploma's 230111 Ta Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Ta Arohae: Critical Thinking with other courses through a special-permission process, subject to Massey's requirements.
• The diploma can provide a direct academic pathway towards the Bachelor of Arts, with completed Diploma courses transferable to the BA.

International Student Visa Requirements

The current Maori Studies Diploma is explicitly available to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Therefore, an international student who remains outside New Zealand and completes the programme entirely online does not normally need to obtain a New Zealand student visa merely to study this online programme.

If the student intends to travel to New Zealand to undertake approved full-time study in person, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa. Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa:

• Costs from NZD $850.
• Can allow a stay of up to 4 years, depending on the circumstances.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of sufficient funds for tuition or an appropriate scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable insurance.
• Is applied for online.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before planned travel.
• 80% of applications are currently stated to be processed within 8 weeks.