Why Study/Key Benefits

The Te Reo specialisation within Massey University’s Master of Maori Studies is designed for postgraduate students who want to deepen their knowledge, fluency, scholarship and professional use of te reo Maori. Massey describes the pathway as being focused on advancing matauranga Maori through language and scholarship, with an emphasis on revitalising and strengthening te reo Maori across generations.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study of te reo Maori, Maori literature and language use.
• Development of higher-level Maori-language communication skills.
• Study of Maori oral traditions, literature, marae language and cultural contexts.
• Opportunities to undertake research into te reo Maori and related Maori knowledge.
• Exposure to Maori research methodologies and culturally appropriate research frameworks.
• Opportunities to combine Te Reo study with broader M?ori development, health, education, technology and leadership subjects.
• A pathway toward professional work in Maori-language education, translation, cultural content, language revitalisation and policy.
• Study is available online from outside New Zealand, making the qualification accessible to international students who do not need to relocate to New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Te Reo specialisation combines specialist Maori-language courses with the broader Master of Maori Studies research and postgraduate structure.

Core Master's study includes:

• 150714 Te Te Maori Rangahau Ksrero: Msori Research Methodologies – 30 credits

This course examines research methodologies appropriate for M?ori communities, iwi, hap and whanau. It addresses Maori research frameworks, research ethics, information sources and research design.

Te Reo specialisation:

• 150711 Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo: Advanced Maori Literature – 30 credits

This course explores M?ori language forms used in marae procedures, tangihanga, whakatauka, pepeha, karero parakau and waiata tawhito. It also examines M?ori prophetic traditions and oral and written narratives associated with poroporoaki. Appraisal is required.

Coursework pathway options include:

• 150710 Te Arero Kaiaka – 30 credits
• 150701 Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Maori Development – 30 credits
• 150702 Pae Ora: Maori Health Advancement – 30 credits
• 150703 He Tatai Arorangi: Maori Astronomy – 30 credits
• 150704 He Hokinga Mahara: Hauora theory to praxis – 30 credits
• 150740 Hangarau: Maori and Technology – 30 credits
• 150741 Te Amokura: Contemporary Leadership in Maori Development – 30 credits
• 269711 Policy and Development in Maori Education – 30 credits
• 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in Maori & Indigenous Education – 30 credits
• 269734 Mana Whanau: Whanau Engagement in Education – 30 credits.

The Coursework Pathway then includes:

• 150873 Research Report Maori Studies – 60 credits.

Research Pathway students undertake a substantial thesis component, with the current structure providing:

• 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 selected specialisation is:

• Te Reo

The Master of M?ori Studies currently provides four specialisations:

• Te Reo
• Critical Studies in M?ori Development
• Hauora
• Maori Education.

The Te Reo pathway focuses particularly on:

• Maori language
• Advanced M?ori literature
• Oral traditions
• Marae language
• Language revitalisation
• Maori research
• Maori-language scholarship
• Intergenerational language transmission
• Maori cultural knowledge.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF level 9 Master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• Standard full-time duration of 1.5 years.
• Te Reo specialisation worth 150 credits within the Master's structure.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Advanced Maori-language and M?ori-literature study.
• Maori research methodology training.
• Coursework and research pathways.
• Opportunity to undertake a substantial Master's research thesis.
• Study grounded in matauranga M?ori and te ao M?ori perspectives.
• Focus on language revitalisation and strengthening te reo M?ori.
• Potential for professional work across education, translation, media, cultural development, policy and language revitalisation.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies career opportunities including:

• Te Reo Maori educator
• Maori immersion programme leader
• Translator
• Language consultant
• Media specialist
• Cultural content developer
• Language revitalisation strategist
• Policy advocate.

Graduates may also work in:

• Maori-language education
• Iwi, hap and community organisations
• Museums
• Publishing
• Broadcasting
• Government
• Cultural organisations
• Maori development organisations
• Research and higher education.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Master of Maori Studies has four specialisations, including Te Reo.
• The Te Reo pathway is currently offered through distance and online study.
• International students are specifically permitted to study this qualification online from outside New Zealand.
• Students progressing through the Coursework Pathway must achieve at least a B average in their first 60 credits of Part One.
• Students progressing through the Research Pathway must achieve at least a B+ average in their first 60 credits of Part One.
• Several advanced Te Reo courses have appraisal or prerequisite requirements.
• 150711 Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo requires appraisal.
• 150710 Te Arero Kaiaka requires 300310 and 300311 at B+ or appraisal.
• The qualification's research pathway requires a substantial research component of 90–120 credits.
• Students intending to undertake research should identify an appropriate research area and discuss research supervision with Massey.
• A specific minimum Te Reo M?ori proficiency score for admission is not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

Because this Te Reo specialisation is offered online from outside New Zealand, an international student who remains outside New Zealand to complete the qualification would generally not need a New Zealand student visa for the online study itself. Massey explicitly identifies the programme as open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

If a student instead intends to travel to New Zealand for study activities, the appropriate immigration permission depends on the circumstances, duration and nature of the visit. Students should confirm the applicable visa requirements directly with Immigration New Zealand before travelling.

For a student who requires a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.