Why Study / Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Diploma in Maori Studies (PGDipMaoriS) at Massey University is an interdisciplinary postgraduate qualification focused on matauranga Maori and te ao Maori perspectives. It is designed for graduates who want to deepen their understanding of M?ori knowledge, language, culture and societal systems and apply M?ori perspectives within their chosen professional or community field. The programme combines research, critical inquiry and applied learning, with study options covering te reo Maori, Maori health and wellbeing, M?ori development, education, leadership, technology and Indigenous perspectives.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced understanding of te ao Maori and matauranga Maori.
• Exposure to Maori language, culture, development, health, education, leadership and Indigenous knowledge.
• Research and critical-inquiry skills relevant to Maori and Indigenous contexts.
• Opportunity to apply Maori perspectives to professional, community and organisational settings.
• Flexible distance and online delivery, which is particularly relevant for international students studying from outside New Zealand.
• The qualification can provide a foundation for further postgraduate study, including the Master of Maori Studies. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current programme consists of 120 credits:

Compulsory research component – 30 credits

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

This course examines research methodologies appropriate to M?ori communities, iwi, hap and whanau. It covers research frameworks, ethical considerations, research design and the use of public repositories, internet resources and databases in Maori research contexts.

Subject courses – choose 90 credits

Students choose 90 credits from the available subject courses.

Current options include:

• 150701 Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Maori Development – 30 credits
  Focuses on Maori advancement and development, including land, fisheries, social policy, health, Treaty settlements and Indigenous self-determination.
• 150702 Pae Ora: Maori Health Advancement – 30 credits
  Covers Maori health planning, national Maori health strategies, health funding, service delivery and Maori development.
• 150703 He Tatai Arorangi: Maori Astronomy – 30 credits
  Explores Maori and Indigenous astronomy, including its historical and contemporary relevance to timekeeping, ecology, sustainability, ritual and cultural practices.
• 150704 He Hokinga Mahara: Hauora Theory to Praxis – 30 credits
  Examines Indigenous health and wellbeing perspectives and practical approaches to developing community or organisational solutions.
• 150710 Te Arero Kaiaka – 30 credits
  Develops the use of Maori language in home, workplace, social, sport and recreation contexts, with emphasis on vocabulary and local idiom. Prerequisites/appraisal requirements apply.
• 150711 Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo: Advanced Maori Literature – 30 credits
  Covers M?ori language forms used in marae procedures, tangihanga, whakatauka, pepeha, karero parakau and waiata, as well as Maori oral and written literature. Appraisal is required.
• 150740 Hangarau: Maori and Technology – 30 credits
  Examines technology in relation to te ao M?ori and its implications for wh?nau, hap? and iwi development, including M?ori and Indigenous rights and aspirations.
• 150741 Te Amokura: Contemporary Leadership in Maori Development – 30 credits
  Examines traditional and contemporary Maori leadership, professional and cultural leadership, and the role of iwi, community and tribal organisations in governance.
• 269711 Policy and Development in Maori Education – 30 credits
  Analyses policies affecting Maori education and the roles of government, schools, urban communities and iwi in educational development and practice.
• 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in M?ori & Indigenous Education – 30 credits
  Examines power, politics, resistance, advocacy and Indigenous rights in contemporary Maori and Indigenous education.
• 269734 Mana Whanau: Whanau Engagement in Education – 30 credits
  Focuses on whanau participation and approaches for educational institutions and organisations to engage effectively with M?ori communities. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The PGDipM?oriS is interdisciplinary rather than divided into formal named specialisations.

The programme currently offers subject areas including:

• Maori research methodologies
• Maori development and self-determination
• Maori health and hauora
• Maori astronomy and Indigenous knowledge
• Te reo Maori and Maori literature
• Maori technology
• Maori leadership and governance
• Maori education and policy
• Indigenous education
• Whanau engagement. 

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 120-credit programme.
• One year full-time.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Interdisciplinary focus on matauranga M?ori and te ao Maori.
• Strong emphasis on Maori and Indigenous research methodologies.
• Options spanning Maori development, health, language, literature, technology, leadership and education.
• Opportunity to apply Maori perspectives to professional and community contexts.
• Current programme structure allows students to select 90 credits of subject courses.
• Can provide preparation for further postgraduate study in Maori Studies.

Career Outcomes

Massey describes the qualification as providing a foundation for students to make a meaningful contribution in their chosen field and highlights Maori aspirations, leadership and community wellbeing.

Depending on the student's previous qualification, professional experience and selected courses, potential career directions may include:

• Maori development and community development
• Iwi, hap and Maori organisational roles
• Maori policy and public-sector work
• Indigenous development and research
• Maori health and wellbeing organisations
• Education and Maori education policy
• Cultural advisory and engagement roles
• Community and whanau development
• M?ori governance and leadership-related roles
• Research and policy analysis
• Organisations working with Indigenous communities and knowledge.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 programme information shows a flexible 120-credit structure comprising 30 credits of compulsory research methodology and 90 credits of selected subject courses.

Important points for applicants:

• A relevant bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum B average across the relevant 200- and 300-level specialisation courses is required.
• The qualification has no formal endorsement/specialisation.
• Some courses have prerequisites or require appraisal.
• Students studying full-time normally complete 60 credits per semester.
• Course availability should be checked before finalising the study plan.
• Recognition of prior learning may be possible under Massey's RPL regulations, but approval is not automatic.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 programme information shows a flexible 120-credit structure comprising 30 credits of compulsory research methodology and 90 credits of selected subject courses.

Important points for applicants:

• A relevant bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum B average across the relevant 200- and 300-level specialisation courses is required.
• The qualification has no formal endorsement/specialisation.
• Some courses have prerequisites or require appraisal.
• Students studying full-time normally complete 60 credits per semester.
• Course availability should be checked before finalising the study plan.
• Recognition of prior learning may be possible under Massey's RPL regulations, but approval is not automatic.
• The programme is currently listed for international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

International Student Visa Requirements

The current programme page explicitly allows international students to study the PGDipMaoriS online from outside New Zealand. Therefore, an international student who remains outside New Zealand for the entire programme would generally not need a New Zealand student visa solely for offshore online study.

If the student instead intends to travel to New Zealand and undertake approved study there, the relevant immigration route is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to 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 acceptable scholarship arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of genuine study intentions and ability to leave New Zealand when required.
• Compliance with health and character requirements where applicable.