Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
MMIL
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
Are you a professional working in an Iwi, Māori organisation, or another body that works with Māori communities, looking to progress into leadership? Would you like to take on a position of influence within the growing Māori economy, currently valued at $40 billion in Aotearoa New Zealand? Do you have a passion for furthering the aspirations of Māori and indigenous communities?
This applied professional programme aims to equip the next generation of leaders across a wide variety of sectors with the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary to advance the aspirations of Iwi Māori and other indigenous peoples, whether it be in a social, cultural, environmental, political, or commercial context.
- Developed in response to growing market demand for managers, governors and other leaders within all spheres of the 'Māori sector'.
- You will go on a research tour of Aotearoa New Zealand to analyse development strategies within their cultural context and develop alternative models and approaches to Indigenous development.
- Advance your theoretical and applied skills, by conducting both a research project and an internship in a relevant community or organisation.
- Highly customisable, with the ability to specialise in an area of interest.
- Delivered through a culturally appropriate blended learning model, including marae-based block courses run in wānanga format, guest lectures, and student workshops.
- Our staff in Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies operate as a whānau, and we pride ourselves on being accessible, supportive, and engaged with a number of research kaupapa that focus on the advancement of Māori development and knowledge.
- Some scholarships are available for this programme – contact Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts for details.
The Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership (MMIL) is open to:
- graduates of any bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points at 300-level, and who have at least three years professional experience in the Māori sector; or
- applicants without an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification), but have qualified for the Postgraduate Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Leadership.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Expressions of interest are welcome throughout the year by contacting the MIL Programme Director. The programme is held in various rohe across Aotearoa New Zealand each year as we believe it is important to take the programme into our communities.
Enrolments open 1 October 2022 and close 30 November for the 2023 intake. You will need to enrol via MyUC and upload the following documents:
- Personal Statement: a 1,500–2,000 word statement that describes your personal experience with and commitment to iwi self-determination, as well as your study goals and expectations from this programme. Please include a scope that describes a project or initiative that you want you pursue during your MIL journey that you believe makes a significant contribution to our community, and how it contributes to Tino Rangatiratanga.
- Curriculum Vitae: this should include any academic history, work history, and relevant experience. This is to establish you are or have been working in a role that contributes to Māori interests and aspirations.
- If you also have an undergraduate degree, please upload a scan of your transcript when you enrol. Please note if you should be offered a place on the programme, we will need to sight the original.
We will notify you of the outcome of your application by 16 December 2022.
For more information, please contact the MIL Programme Director.
This programme starts in February (Semester 1) and can be completed within 12–18 months by full-time students. Part-time students are welcome and will have 2–3 years to complete the qualification.
The MMIL programme comprises 180 points and has five components:
- 60 points of core courses
- 30 points of elective courses
- 30-point practical community project
- 30-point cross-cultural research tour
- 30-point research essay.
Wānanga format
In 2023, the programme will comprise a cohort in Te Tai Tokerau and another in Auckland. Each cohort will comprise up to 30 students, creating a connected group of next generation leaders.
Eight monthly wānanga are to be held at a marae and will involve teaching from UC lecturers and leaders from the Māori community. The wānanga format will enable students from outside the Waitaha Canterbury region to participate.
A 14-day international haerenga will analyse development strategies within cultural contexts and develop alternative models and approaches to indigenous development.
The Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership programme involves 180 points as follows:
150 points of coursework
Compulsory courses
- TIRA430 Māori Leadership
- TIRA431 Comparative Indigenous Models and Theories of Development
- TIRA679 Cross-Cultural Research (which involves a research tour)
- TIRA495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship
In exceptional circumstances you may apply to Amo Matua, Toi Tangata | Executive Dean of Arts to substitute TIRA679 with TIRA681 Research Project.
Elective courses
TIRA404 Kaupapa Māori Research or 30 points from any 400-level courses offered by UC, with approval by the Head of School.
30 points of research
You can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Māori and Indigenous Studies.
Graduates of this qualification will be in an ideal position to enhance the leadership capability in organisations working with Māori, including Iwi, Māori, government, community, and private sector organisations.
The graduating cohort will be expected to critically engage with and advance Māori aspirations in their strategic leadership careers. They will show the skills and attributes needed to lead and implement change in Māori and indigenous contexts.
Knowledge of indigenous development in a global context opens up job opportunities and scope as well.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $12,131 |
| 2023 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $11,806 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 180 | $46,350 | |
| 2024 | 120 | $30,900 | |
| 2023 | 180 | $43,500 | |
| 2023 | 120 | $29,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership.
For study planning help, contact Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies.
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz