Postgraduate

MAOR401
Te Matakahi: Indigenous Critical Theory
Description
Theory for Maori and indigenous scholars. The study of counter-hegemonic theory in so-called post-colonial states. In this course drawing from a range of theorists, from Frantz Fanon, Edward Said, Lewis Gordon, Homi Bhabha to Gayatri Spivak and others, we explore the coloniser-colonised binary. Can we maintain resistance and create new spaces and practices 'outside' of this relationship?
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
Restrictions
CULT420
MAOR419
Matauranga Maori and Science
Description
What are the synergies and tensions between matauranga Maori and western science? This course delves into aspects of current and historical debates around that relationship. Themes include past struggles between Maori and western concepts, ‘knowledge’ and its situatedness within both matauranga Maori and western science, the theoretical consequences of taking a position, the philosophical similarities between the two and possible divergences - including in the context of various specialisations of both western science and matauranga Maori - and the uptake of matauranga Maori by scientific policy and academic literature.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Permission of the Head of School
MAOR422
Ethnicity, Migration and Multiculturalism
Description
What is ethnicity and how can we understand its manifestations, influences and social dynamics? This course provides an advanced introduction to the study of ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, and focuses on related topics: the movement of people across national borders (and within nation states); the way population movement transforms categorization of people; and the cultural, economic and political dynamics around, and impacts of, such transformations. In particular, we explore ethnicity, race, racism, indigeneity, minority rights, migration, nationalism, multiculturalism and related phenomena in a range of different times and places. The concept of ethnicity is discussed both in relation to group rights in existing nation states and in relation to transnational, multilingual and multicultural communities in globalized world, and we will understand the contemporary social context of global migration. We will analyze the practical implications of an increasingly culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse population in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, and we will examine what "diversity" means and how our society has responded to it.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
Restrictions
SOCI413
MAOR480
Research Essay
Description
Independent research essay for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct advanced research and/or progress to thesis writing. Enrolling students must have a B+ grade average. They are expected to see a lecturer in the School to supervise them and to develop a proposal.
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Semester One 2026
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
A B+ grade average at 300-level in MAOR. Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR590
Rangahau - Major Research Dissertation
Description
This course is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct postgraduate research and/or progress to thesis writing in Maori and Indigenous Studies. Students are invited to discuss a topic of their choice with staff. Students are expected to make a short presentation at the School's Annual Matariki Research Seminar Series.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2026
Points
90 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR591
Rangahau - Minor Research Dissertation
Description
This course is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct postgraduate research and/or progress to thesis writing in Maori and Indigenous Studies. Students are invited to discuss a topic of their choice with staff. Students are expected to make a short presentation at the School's Annual Matariki Research Seminar Series.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2026
Points
60 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR592
Rangahau - Research Paper
Description
This course is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct postgraduate research and/or progress to thesis writing in Maori and Indigenous Studies. Students are invited to discuss a topic of their choice with staff. Students are expected to make a short presentation at the School's Annual Matariki Research Seminar Series.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR593
Rangahau - Research Paper
Description
A piece of original research on an agreed topic. Students must obtain a supervisor from the School and submit a proposal for approval by the Head of School by the beginning of the second semester. This Project should be submitted by the end of semester two (7,500 to 10,000 words).
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR595
Rangahau - Minor Research Dissertation Part 2
Description
This course is designed for students with a demonstrated ability to conduct postgraduate research and/or progress to thesis writing in Maori and Indigenous Studies. Students are invited to discuss a topic of their choice with staff. Students are expected to make a short presentation at the School's Annual Matariki Research Seminar Series.
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.
MAOR650
MA Dissertation
Description
MA Dissertation
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Semester One 2026
Semester Two 2026
Points
60 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
MAOR690
MA Thesis
Occurrences
Approved Start 2026
Points
120 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Not Offered Courses in 2026

400-level

MAOR425
Ngati Apopo: Maori Futures
Description
This course explores the local, national and global trends that will materially impact on the future trajectory of Maori self determination and futures making. Students will investigate how Maori navigate such shifts and trends to advance self-determination as change agents. The themes in the course include: - Maori and Indigenous self determination, autonomy and development - Colonialism, coloniality and indigeneity; - Treaty of Waitangi, comparative Indigenous rights and international Indigenous rights; - Maori political representation, participation and outcomes, including the evolving nature of the partnership between the Crown and Maori; - Maori and Indigenous settlements, reconciliation processes and autonomy; - Maori and Indigenous peoples rights and opportunities regarding natural resources; - Maori and Indigenous peoples experiences of equality and equity.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MAOR425 course details
Points
30 points