Diploma in Māoritanga/Tohu Māoritanga

Summary

Get a foundation in Māori language, culture, and society, as well as the academic study skills you need for university.

Warning

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The qualification is only available as part-time study.
• The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
• The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Learn by doing

Discover how marae work and explore waiata and haka performance, all while developing your research and study skills. The Tohu Māoritanga is a one-year full-time diploma programme.

You don't need to have University Entrance to study for this diploma or be Māori, you just need to be at least 16 years old. Mature students and people wanting to upskill are also welcome.

A recipe for success

Many Tohu Māoritanga graduates—who include some of your tutors and lecturers—used this diploma as the first step towards starting a full degree.

If you want to study at university, but think you might need to gain some more skills first, then this is the right choice for you.

What you'll learn

The aim of this diploma is to provide you with skills that will help you succeed at university.

By the end of the programme, you'll be able to hold a basic conversation in Māori and observe and take part in marae customs at the University's Te Herenga Waka Marae, on Kelburn campus. In the Waiata Performance [course] you'll study and explore several waiata in depth.

Learn about the development of Māori culture and society in pre-European Aotearoa and gain an understanding of important Māori events and practices—of the past and present. Examine ideas and literature about the social and political environment Māori people are part of today.

In learning all these things you'll improve your critical reading, writing, comprehension and research skills.

You'll be taught in a variety of ways—including lectures, tutorials and independent study. The whānau learning environment will help you transition into university life.

Keep on learning

Once you have completed the Tohu Māoritanga you will be able to enrol in a Bachelor's degree. If you decide to do a Bachelor of Arts you may be able to [cross-credit] up to 60 [points] from your Tohu Māoritanga qualification.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to hundreds of first-year students each year. They help with tuition fees, and with accommodation costs at the University's halls of residence. There are also a number of scholarships and awards targeted at Māori students which can help you fund your studies.

International scholarships

Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.