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'.
- Students 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 Rāngai Toi Tangata | College 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 MMIL Director. The programme is held in various rohe across Aotearoa New Zealand each year as we believe it is important to take the programme to our communities.
Enrolments open 1 October 2021 and close 31 December for the 2022 intake. Please enrol via MyUC. You will also need to upload the following:
- 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 project scope that describes a project or initiative that you want you pursue during your MMIL 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 send a scan of your transcript (please note if you should be offered a place on the programme, we will require a physical original).
We will notify you of the outcome of your application by 21 January 2022.
For more information, please contact the MMIL Director.
This Master's starts in February (Semester 1) and can be completed within 12–18 months by full-time students. Part-time students are welcome and can take up to 2–3 years to complete the degree.
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 (PACE 495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship)
- 30-point cross-cultural research tour
- 30-point research dissertation.
Wānanga format
Each cohort will comprise up to 20 people, creating a connected group of next generation leaders.
Ten monthly weekend wānanga are to be held at a marae, and will involve presentations from established leaders in the Māori sector. The wānanga format will enable students from outside Waitaha Canterbury to participate.
A two-week hīkoi research tour around Aotearoa 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
The four compulsory courses (120 points) are:
- MAOR 430 Māori Leadership
- MAOR 431 Comparative Indigenous Models and Theories of Development
- MAOR 679 Cross-Cultural Research (which involves a research tour)
- PACE 495 Professional and Community Engagement Internship
Elective courses
Students choose up to 30 points from any 400-level courses offered by UC, with approval by the Head of School.
30 points of research
Students can 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) |
| 2021 | 180 | $11,427 | |
| 2022 | 180 | $11,622 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 180 | $40,800 | $35,478 | |
| 2022 | 180 | $42,300 | $36,783 |
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 or the College of Arts:
Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College 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