Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Maori Studies

Summary

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree programme, enabling students to study from a selection of more than 40 arts and social science subjects, as well as papers offered elsewhere in the University. Academic breadth is complemented by in-depth knowledge gained through majoring in one or two subjects with the option of minors in one or two others.

Students are taught by research-active scholars, are expected to undertake a diverse range of learning tasks and are challenged to develop their intellectual independence. Graduates of the programme are well-informed, versatile, independent thinkers with the information literacy, communication, research and interpersonal skills necessary for a career or further academic study. The completed BA is an possible qualification for the PGDipArts in the major subject of the degree.

Why study Maori Studies?

Maori Studies will provide you with an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the Maori language, Maori customary lore and the Maori world. This knowledge and understanding may be integrated with other studies or professional areas such as business, education, health, law, management, the media, public administration and social work.

Government ministries, businesses, social agencies and educational institutions in New Zealand recognise the need for employees with such knowledge and skills. Excellent employment prospects await graduates with knowledge of issues affecting Maori and other peoples in New Zealand.

The Maori Studies programme will equip students with a wide range of skills giving graduates:

A high level of fluency in the Maori language

An understanding of contemporary Maori issues combined with an understanding of, for example, history, cultural expression and environmental concerns

An awareness of ethical issues in relation to Maori in the context of past and present practices, and society and culture

Skills in intercultural communication

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team work

Independent judgement

An ability to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds

Maori Studies encourages you to explore the connectivity between different disciplines so as to enable indigenous communities to determine their own future.

Graduates develop a multidisciplinary, culturally inflected understanding of contemporary Maori concepts and issues, including the use of cooperation rather than competition, listening as well as communicating with others, and respecting differences.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a degree in Maori Studies have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base.

This can lead to careers in the fields of:

Government ministries

Policy and governance

Teaching

Arts advisors, museum curators

Business

Law

Public health

Community organisations

Maori Studies graduates are needed to help find ways to address the needs and interests of the Maori community and to help to promote and implement the goals of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Having more than one major in your degree, or a major plus a minor, will make you more marketable and attractive to prospective employers. A major in Maori Studies will be your point of difference in your chosen career.