Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Maori Studies

Summary

The Master of Arts (Coursework) programme is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills – such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.

The degree is also an possible qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The MA(Coursework) normally requires either 12 months or three semesters of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation.

The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words.

The primary aim of the MA(Coursework) is to provide candidates with a grounding in their chosen subject area within a wider disciplinary frame. The degree cultivates the skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement a significant piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership.

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.