To give graduates
the skills to work for the advancement of their communities in the social, cultural and economic fields as agents for change
advanced skills to work in Indigenous organisations - community-based, government-based, or in the private sector, and to enable graduates to make contributions towards social, educational and economical development of Maori communities through research and qualifications.

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi expects graduates of the Masters of Indigenous Studies degree to have the following attributes:

Tū Tangata: Personal Potential:

A strong knowledge in their own identity and their place in the world
An ability to provide leadership in their community and become agents for change
An ability to plan for the future and achieve goals for themselves, their whānau and their community
An appreciation of the values of other individuals and groups and valuing cultural diversity
A strong sense of professional and personal integrity

Reo and Tikanga: Language and Knowledge:

Be competent and confident in Indigenous settings
Be confident in the use of their own indigenous language
A good knowledge of their History and Culture
An ability to view the world from an Indigenous perspective and understand the Indigenous philosophies adopted at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
A strong understanding of the position of language and culture in their chosen major subject(s)

Pūkenga: Specialist Knowledge:

An understanding of the main philosophical and conceptual ideologies adopted and discussed at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
A post-graduate knowledge of at least one subject area, easily transferable to the workplace or as a base for post graduate study.
A knowledge of current issues and critical elements of the chosen field of study
An understanding of the philosophical bases and theories of the chosen subject area(s)
The skills to identify where information is required and capacity to find the required information

Mōhiotanga: Fundamental Life and Work Skills:

A capacity for creativity and adaptability
The ability to think critically, conceptually and reflectively.
A skill in advanced analysis and problem solving
Advanced planning and time management skills
A capacity to work independently and to work as part of a team
A skill set for continuous learning

To PhD or Professional Doctorate programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Admission to a Graduate programme will be subject to the approval of the Head of School, Graduate studies upon application (Admission Form 1).

The general eligibility criteria is that a candidate shall;
have qualified with a relevant Bachelor's, Bachelor of Honours, Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma or Master's Degree or with a B+ average*,
have been granted admission ad eundem statum (admission with equivalent status) as entitled to proceed to a Masters' or;
have applied to the Head of School, Graduate studies, and been accepted into the Masters' programme.
Each Masters' Degree major may also hold specific criteria and students are encouraged to read the regulations specific to each major.

Upon application, the Head of School will consider the admission of candidates with less than a B+ average to the Graduate Certificate, taking into account the academic potential of candidates, the publication record or other relevant factors such as experience and time-factors