Program Overview

Master of Mori and Indigenous Leadership

The Master of Mori and Indigenous Leadership (MMIL) is a professional program designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary to advance the aspirations of Iwi Mori and other indigenous peoples.

Introduction

This applied professional program aims to develop leaders across a wide variety of sectors, enabling them to work in social, cultural, environmental, political, or commercial contexts. The program is developed in response to growing market demand for managers, governors, and other leaders within all spheres of the 'Mori sector'.

Why Study a Mori and Indigenous Leadership at UC?

• Developed in response to growing market demand for managers, governors, and other leaders within all spheres of the 'Mori sector'.
• Includes a research tour either internationally or within Aotearoa New Zealand to analyze development strategies within their cultural context and develop alternative models and approaches to Indigenous development.
• Advance theoretical and applied skills by conducting both a research project and an internship in a relevant community or organization.
• Highly customizable, with the ability to specialize in an area of interest.
• Delivered through a culturally appropriate blended learning model, including marae-based block courses run in wnanga format, guest lectures, and student workshops.

Entry Requirements

The Master of Mori and Indigenous Leadership is open to:

• Graduates of any bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points at 300-level, and who have at least three years of professional experience in the Mori sector.
• Applicants without an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification), but have qualified for the Postgraduate Certificate in Mori and Indigenous Leadership.

Degree Structure

• The program starts in February (Semester 1) and can be completed within 1218 months by full-time students. Part-time students are welcome and will have 23 years to complete the qualification.
• The MMIL program comprises 180 points and has multiple components:
  • 120 points of core courses.
  • 30 points of elective research courses.
  • 30-point cross-cultural research tour.

Subjects and Courses

The Master of Mori and Indigenous Leadership program involves 180 points as follows:

Compulsory Courses

• TIRA404 Kaupapa Mori Research.
• TIRA430 Mori Leadership.
• TIRA431 Comparative Indigenous Models and Theories of Development.
• TIRA495 Whakakaupapa.
• TIRA435 Haerenga ki Twhi (or with permission, TIRA436 Haerenga a-motu).

Elective Courses

Choose one of the following:

• TIRA680 Research Essay.
• TIRA681 Research Project.

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,865 (180 points).
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $13,638 (180 points).

International Students

• 2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points).
• 2026 Special Programme Fee: $51,000 (180 points).
• 2027 Special Programme Fee: $54,000 (180 points).

Further Study

Graduates can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mori and Indigenous Studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification will be in an ideal position to enhance the leadership capability in organizations working with Mori, including Iwi, Mori, government, community, and private sector organizations. The graduating cohort will be expected to critically engage with and advance Mori aspirations in their strategic leadership careers. Knowledge of indigenous development in a global context opens up job opportunities and scope as well.