The Master of Community Action & Social Impact (MCAS) programme is dedicated to nurturing knowledgeable, skilled, and reflective agents of change who will work tirelessly towards social justice in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. By fostering a deep understanding of their own positionality, agency, and purpose, graduates will be equipped to critically analyse social issues, engage in meaningful partnerships with communities and organisations, and develop creative, innovative and impactful solutions to address systemic injustices. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary learning, incorporating research methodologies and perspectives from Māori, Pacific, and other indigenous contexts. Through rigorous intellectual analysis and the development of advanced research skills, MCAS candidates will undertake rangahau and research, applying their findings to their own unique contexts. The capstone of the programme, the Social Impact Project, enables candidates to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of social justice through practical application, drawing on a wide range of disciplinary perspectives. This transformative experience fosters authentic connections with communities, fostering candidates as integral agents in a larger network dedicated to creating widespread, systemic change. Ako Mātātupu is committed to nurturing students who are deeply aware of the challenges faced by Māori and Pacific Peoples, and low-income, high-deprivation communities in Aotearoa and around the world. By translating sophisticated theoretical knowledge into actionable social change, graduates of the Master of Community Action & Social Impact will champion the vision of fair and equal opportunities for every child, effectively contributing to the ongoing pursuit of social justice on a local and global scale.

A graduate of the Master of Community Action & Social Impact:
has a deep commitment to caring for and nurturing effective relationships with colleagues and
communities. In professional practice, this means continuously working to understand these relational
spaces, to fostering ethical relationships with and between stakeholders, and to acknowledging all
shared experiences and stories that have passed between the relationship-holders.
is grounded in Mana Tangata with a lived commitment to tangata whenua and Te Ao Māori. They are
dedicated to an ongoing hīkoi towards a bi-cultural Aotearoa where all cultures are recognised, lived,
valued and honoured, from day to day practice, to policy, governance and system change.
understands the ongoing impact of widespread, systemic inequalities and has a particular
commitment to social justice and equity in the service of individuals and communities unfairly made
vulnerable.
is able to draw on best practice theory, research and evidence to design impactful projects and make
critically informed movements toward social change.
is a critical and purposive agent for change, deeply committed to making a long- term difference in
the lives of individuals and communities.

Graduates of the degree may be admitted to doctoral studies.

Applicants must: Be working in a community or school context that enables them to undertake a Social Impact Project with a collaborative, community focus Hold a Bachelor's degree at level 7 on the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF), or recognised equivalent Have EITHER completed a Postgraduate Diploma in education or another field related to social justice with a grade point average of at least a B, OR have at least 5 years experience serving in education or another field related to social justice with proven leadership and service In addition to meeting the entry criteria, to be admitted to the programme applicants must meet the selection criteria for this degree.