Master of Indigenous Studies

Programme Overview

The Master of Indigenous Studies (MIndigSt) focuses on global innovations emerging from Indigenous research frameworks. The degree engages critically with the complex political, social, cultural, and economic challenges confronting Indigenous populations worldwide, with a strong focus on the ongoing struggle for tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). Fully underpinned by Indigenous worldviews, the programme guides students to generate new insights, support the aspirations of communities, and create transformative solutions applicable to healthcare, justice, education, and resource management.

Programme Pathways

The curriculum offers two distinct entry pathways designed to accommodate varied academic backgrounds, both utilizing a taught-master's structure that couples coursework with supervised research:

1. 180-point Pathway: Aimed at students entering directly with a standard three-year undergraduate degree.
2. 120-point Pathway: Tailored for students who already hold an Honours degree or an approved Postgraduate Diploma in a related discipline.

What You'll Study

The exact credit split depends on your selected entry track, but the curriculum is drawn from the following core and elective frameworks:

• Compulsory Core Courses (45 to 90 points): Deepens theoretical insights and conceptual skills:
  • Indigenous Theories (INDIGEN 700) – 30 points (covering cultural autonomy, land claims, and rights).
  • Pacific Research Methodologies and Practices (PACIFIC 714) – 30 points (required for the 180-point online configuration).
  • Alternate core setups may select from specialized 15-point methodology equivalents on campus.
• Specialized Indigenous Electives: Courses exploring modern cross-sector interfaces, including:
  • Indigenous Environmental Politics (INDIGEN 711) – 30 points (focusing on climate change and extractive industries).
  • Indigenous Psychologies (INDIGEN 712) – 30 points (focusing on collective well-being and health).
• General Electives (30 to 90 points): Broad transdisciplinary papers selected from approved areas across the University, such as Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Public Law, Sociology, or Geography.
• Research Component (45 or 60 points): A mandatory research dissertation (e.g., INDIGEN 792 for 45 points or INDIGEN 793A/B for 60 points) where students isolate an indigenous issue, implement appropriate ethics, and complete an independent study.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Deeply Grounded Worldviews: Built directly around local and global Indigenous knowledge systems rather than looking at them through a purely Western academic lens.
• University-Wide Flexibility: Allows you to stitch together a customized learning track by taking relevant papers from multiple faculties right across the University of Auckland.
• Community-Led Problem Solving: Teaches practical methodologies that respect cultural data sovereignty, enabling you to build genuine partnerships and advocate for community-led solutions.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums:
  • For the 180-point track: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher in your upper-level papers.
  • For the 120-point track: A Bachelor's Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher.
• Relevant Major Restrictions: Because this is an interdisciplinary degree, a wide range of backgrounds will be considered. Preferred fields include: Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Social Work, or Sociology.
• Professional Waiver Option: In exceptional circumstances, academic entry minimums may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic if the applicant documents at least three years of relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience.
• Selection Process: Admission is competitive. Every application is assessed individually by the Faculty of Arts, and meeting baseline criteria does not guarantee an automatic offer of placement.