He mihi
Tēnei ka noho i te roro o tōku whare o Te Tumu Herenga Waka
‘Te pātaka kai iringa o te kupu o te kōrero’
Ka titiro whakawaho
Ki te pae tukutuku o te ao hurihuri
E rāhiri mai nei i a koutou e te tī, e te tā, o wīwī, o wāwā
Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai ki tēnei whārangi ipurangi
Tākina te kawa, ko te kawa o tūārangi
Tākina te kawa, ko te kawa o mohoa noa nei
Tākina te kawa, ko Te Kawa a Māui e!
Become knowledgeable in Māori and Indigenous worldviews
The Postgraduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies (PGCertIndS) positions Māori and Pacific cultures and histories in the global context of Indigenous colonial and post-colonial experiences, cultural rights, and self-determination.
This Certificate combines core study in Indigenous theory with another course from a range of subjects, including history, politics, anthropology, and the arts.
The MGBus focuses on global strategy, leadership, and innovation to prepare you for the complexities of cross-border business. It’s ideal if you want to move into roles in international trade, business development, consulting, or global operations.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for this Certificate if you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or equivalent in a relevant subject. Many students have Bachelor’s degrees in Education, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, or Science.
Our students come from a range of different backgrounds. You might have an undergraduate degree in Education, Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, or Science. We also accept students with relevant practical and professional experience or qualifications from a different field of study.
The PGIndS can be a stepping-stone to the Diploma or Master’s—or stand-alone to enhance your Bachelor’s degree.
Our Postgraduate Indigenous Studies qualifications
We offer three Postgraduate Indigenous Studies qualifications. These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
The Master of Indigenous Studies provides the most comprehensive study as it includes four courses and a research dissertation.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies has in-depth study over four courses, but no research dissertation.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies is an opportunity for professional development over two courses.
What you’ll learn
This Certificate builds on your undergraduate degree by broadening your understanding of forces which relate to, influence, and affect Indigenous peoples. It includes:
- learning about local and international issues—gain a broad understanding of Māori, Pacific, and international Indigenous issues
- indigenous politics independent from the state—learn how Indigenous peoples engage with non-states, as well as how they maintain and develop their own forms of politics.
How you’ll study
Studying full time, you'll complete the Postgraduate Certificate in one trimester.
Degree content
The Postgraduate Certificate combines learning about core theories and an elective. You can use your electives to specialise in a field like Education, History, or Resource Management.
You’ll study one course which covers theories and worldviews, with a focus on Indigenous peoples’ political and cultural relationships, international contexts, resource management, policy, and governance.
You’ll also study one course from a range of subjects including:
- Anthropology
- Education
- Environment Studies
- Health
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Science
- Sociology.
You also have the option of doing an internship at an organisation which focuses on Indigenous issues.
Designed for part-time study
If you're a domestic student, you can study part time and complete the Postgraduate Certificate over two trimesters.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGCertIndS degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant learning area with a B grade average or better; and
(ii) been accepted by the MIndS programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertIndS
2. The course of study for the PGCertIndS degree shall consist of 60 points including:
(i) Aro Taketake / Indigenous Theories (MAOR 501)
(i) 30 further points from the MIndS Schedule.
3. A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertIndS shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the PGDipIndS.
Future careers
This Certificate enhances your undergraduate degree to give you career pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Indigenous Studies
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Indigenous Studies
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Be immersed in kaupapa Māori while you study
Our facilities are based on sustainability practice, tikanga Māori, and Maori teaching styles, all integrated with our marae wharenui at our back door.
Ngā Mokopuna is our purpose-built teaching and learning space. It brings together mātauranga Māori and Western science innovations, including renewable energy and climate change transition technologies. It incorporates our offices, student study areas, and teaching spaces. The first floor features the marae kitchen and dining area.
We’ve been a pioneer in Māori study and scholarship for decades. We first offered Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies in the 1960s, and in 1980 we became the first university in Aotearoa to establish a marae on campus. Our wharenui—Te Tumu Herenga Waka—opened in December 1986.
Ngā mokopuna in action
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.