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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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 tino rangatiratanga (self-determination).

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 Careers

Potential Careers

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

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Honours degree or postgraduate diploma

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught (180 point)

You need to have either

  • completed a Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study
  • completed a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II in a relevant subject
  • completed a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study, and passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher (provided the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded)

Note: Relevant subjects may include Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, History, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Social Work, and Sociology. 

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma from this University in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the Postgraduate Certificate has not been awarded.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 or 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant majors, specialisations or subjects may include: Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Education, Enviromental Studies, History, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Social Work, and Sociology.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points in the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points in the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Indigenous Studies Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 120 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 30 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Indigenous Studies cannot continue.

9 A student who has to complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Indigenous Studies cannot continue.

10 Where a student has previously passed courses equivalent to any of the required courses, a 700 level course approved by the Programme Director for this degree must be substituted.

11 Enrolment in any elective course is subject to the approval of the relevant Academic Head or nominee.

12 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

13 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

14 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

15 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Indigenous Studies to the Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies or Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.

Distinction

16 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

17 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

18 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism