Programme overview
Study the innovations emerging from the world of Indigenous research and engage with the political, cultural and economic issues that Indigenous peoples deal with in their struggle for self-determination (tino rangatiratanga).
The programme is underpinned by Indigenous worldviews. It gives you the opportunity for intellectual engagement, learning and research that contributes to new insights and approaches to Indigenous issues and research.
You will have the opportunity to study widely in relevant areas right across the University.
Programme structure
The MIndigSt is a 180-point or 120-point taught masters degree, depending on what level of study you have already completed.
In a taught masters we guide you through each of the processes of a masters degree: theory, methodology, ethics, literature reviews, critical analysis and comparative research.
Taught (180 point)
- Enter from an undergraduate qualification
- Three semesters full-time or up to twelve semesters part-time
- Two core courses in Indigenous theories and methodologies (45 points)
- Dissertation (45 points)
- Elective courses in Art History; Development Studies; Education; Environmental Management; Geography; Indigenous Studies; Law Public; Māori Studies; Māori Health; Media, Film and Television; Pacific Studies; Politics and International Relations; Sociology or Spanish (90 points)
- You may be able to take up to 30 points in other subjects
Taught (120 point)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- Two semesters full-time or up to eight semesters part-time
- Two core courses in Indigenous theories and methodologies (45 points)
- Dissertation (45 points)
- Elective courses in Art History; Development Studies; Education; Environmental Management; Geography; Indigenous Studies; Law Public; Māori Studies; Māori Health; Media, Film and Television; Pacific Studies; Politics and International Relations; Sociology or Spanish (30 points)
- You may be able to take up to 30 points in other subjects
Honours graduates interested in the 120-point option should contact the programme coordinator.
You can find the requirements for your study in the MIndigSt Schedule, and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Indigenous Studies.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
180 point
Year one 120 points
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 700
- Name:
- Indigenous Theories
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 710
- Name:
- Indigenous Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year two 60 points
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 792
- Name:
- Dissertation
- Type:
- Dissertation
- Points:
- 45 pts
Sample programme structure
120 point
Year One 120 points
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 700
- Name:
- Indigenous Theories
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 710
- Name:
- Indigenous Methodologies
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- INDIGEN 792
- Name:
- Dissertation
- Type:
- Dissertation
- Points:
- 45 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Indigenous Studies
- Indigenous Studies (Online)
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Honours degree or postgraduate diploma
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors degree
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject with a GPA of 5.0.
As an interdisciplinary programme, a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds will be considered.
You need to have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant subject with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II.
As an interdisciplinary programme, a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds will be considered.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed a postgraduate qualification, following an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant subject with a GPE of 5.0.
As an interdisciplinary programme, a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds will be considered.
You need to have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant subject with a GPE of 5.0.
As an interdisciplinary programme, a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds will be considered.
How much does a Master of Indigenous Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,862.80*
- International students
- NZ$42,828*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
You can develop the potential to become a leader within, on behalf of, or outside your community. You can gain the skills for a career in local or national government, community leadership, policy and law, research, iwi, tribal and political advisement, cultural representation, teaching, resource management and more.
Jobs related to this programme
- Cultural liaison adviser
- Environmental adviser
- Human resources consultant
- Human rights analyst
- Iwi consultant
- Media relations and production adviser
- Policy analyst
- Social impact adviser
Alice Karetai's Master of Indigenous Studies gave her the freedom to study the subjects that were relevant to her, while keeping a strong Māori focus.
Meet AliceStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Experience the University
Zoe Poutu Fay and Ashlea Williams are two of the first masters graduates in Indigenous Studies at the University of Auckland.
Read moreHow people make meaning in their lives
Dr Linda Waimarie Nikora (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Tūhoe) looks at how people make meaning in their lives — in order to tackle big challenges.
Meet LindaDo you need help?
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