Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, University of Auckland Online
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Honours degree or postgraduate diploma

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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 option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

Further study options

See all study options

Graduate story: Alice Karetai

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 Alice

Student 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

First masters in Indigenous Studies graduate

Zoe Poutu Fay and Ashlea Williams are two of the first masters graduates in Indigenous Studies at the University of Auckland.

Read more

How 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 Linda

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