Indigenous Studies University of Otago

Overview

Key Features

• Students living in New Zealand or offshore, commencing or returning to postgraduate study in selected programmes

Students interested in studying online will need to be granted approval to do so by the University. This also applies to students who have been granted approval to study online in previous semesters. Students will be required to demonstrate that COVID‑19 has impacted their ability to study on campus in 2021.

The Master of Indigenous Studies at University of Otago was developed as a way of engaging with indigenous issues and peoples. The degree was formulated on the basis that Māori, Pacific Island and other Indigenous peoples have unique bodies of knowledge about customary, environmental and cultural practices. 

The degree prepares graduates for administrative and leadership roles with indigenous communities not only in New Zealand but also abroad. The course is aimed at those who already have a degree and have been part of an indigenous community. This is either through them being a member of an indigenous or ethnic community or working in an area that has an indigenous component. Additionally, those who have an interest in indigenous issues will find the course useful for further knowledge on the subject.

The MIndS programme is also available through Distance Learning. It is also an entry qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and to date there are four former students who have completed a PhD after their MIndS.