Master of Māori Visual Arts – MMVA

The Master of Māori Visual Arts will push you to produce your best creative work grounded in a deep understanding of Māori or indigenous visual culture. Your supervisors will challenge, guide, disrupt and support you, but most importantly – they will help you develop your own unique creative practice.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Level of study: Postgraduate study
• NZQF level: 9
• Time to complete: 2 years full-time (240 credits)
• Part-time available
• Where you can study: Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)
• International students: Not open to international students

Study a Master of Māori Visual Arts – MMVA

Many of New Zealand's most respected Māori artists are graduates of the Master of Māori Visual Arts. More recent graduates attract recognition as emerging talent.

Toioho ki Āpiti welcomes all indigenous and Pākehā artists. We encourage engagement in research and applied practices relevant to individual cultural contexts.

Studio is the Centre

You will spend most of your time conceiving and making art, in a kaupapa Māori environment, mentored by practising artists.

You’ll pursue an individually-designed programme of advanced studio practice in Māori or indigenous visual culture related to who you are (whakapapa) as well as your personal strengths and interests.

The degree structure and delivery embrace customary practices from carving to weaving to kowhaiwhai. But it fosters work that does not necessarily adhere to visual indicators of 'Māori' art. The work coming out of Toioho ki Āpiti often asks critical questions about identity and visual culture and exists at the interface of Western and indigenous art.

Flexible Study

You can study on campus, with studio space provided, or by distance. There are full-time and part-time options.

Most students initially enrol in a Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts, and transfer to the Masters qualification for the second year.

A MMVA is a Good Fit if You:

• want to expand your art practice
• would like to develop work with a strong Māori kaupapa
• seek mentorship and support from leading contemporary and traditional Māori artists.

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

Master of Māori Visual Arts 240-credit

To enter the Master of Māori Visual Arts you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts, or equivalent, or
• have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree, or equivalent, and provide evidence of professional experience of an appropriate kind and duration in an area relevant to the qualification, or
• have practical, professional, and scholarly experience at an appropriate level, and
• have been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts having achieved at least a B grade average.

Master of Māori Visual Arts 120-credit

To enter the 120-credit qualification you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts with a B grade average
• submit a proposal of your intended research project. We are looking for proposals that are academically viable, industry-linked and able to be supported by Massey resources.

You must provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

In considering applications for admission to the Master of Māori Visual Arts, the university shall pay due regard to indigenous systems for the acquisition of knowledge. A fair, large and liberal interpretation to the concepts of ‘scholarly experience’ and ‘academic work’ will be applied.

Application Closing Date

Applications close on 30 November for study commencing the following year.

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Time Limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.

Prior Learning, Credit and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

English Language Skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official Regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning Students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Structure of the Master of Māori Visual Arts

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

Courses and Specialisations

Courses and specialisations

Key Terms

Courses

• Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course , the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit Summary

240 credits

• Part One courses selected from the Schedule – 0‑60 credits
• Part One studio or pre-thesis course(s) – 90‑120 credits
• Part Two studio practice/thesis – 90‑120 credits

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 credits.

This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.

Course Planning Key

Prerequisites

• Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.

Corequisites

• Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.

Restrictions

• Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Part One

Code | Course | Credits -----|--------|-------- | Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development | 30 credits | Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo: Advanced Māori Literature | 30 credits | Tā Te Māori Rangahau Kōrero: Māori Research Methodologies | 30 credits | Taonga Tuku Iho: Heritage Aotearoa | 30 credits | Collection Management | 30 credits | Museum Management | 30 credits | Museums and the Public | 30 credits

Choose no more than 60 credits from the above courses.

Code | Course | Credits -----|--------|-------- | Te Tataitanga Matatau: Advanced Studio Practice | 90 credits | Rangahau Whakairo: Pre-thesis Practicum | 120 credits | Rangahau Whakairo: Pre-Thesis Practicum (Part I) | 60 credits | Rangahau Whakairo: Pre-Thesis Practicum (Part II) | 60 credits

Choose at least 90 credits from the above courses.

Part Two (Choose at least 90 credits from)

Code | Course | Credits -----|--------|-------- | Te Wahapu Matatau (Matau): Advanced Studio Practice | 90 credits | Nga Miro Whakaaturanga: Thesis Practicum | 120 credits | Nga Miro Whakaaturanga Thesis Practicum 120 Cr Pt1 | 60 credits | Nga Miro Whakaaturanga Thesis Practicum 120 Cr Pt2 | 60 credits

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $11,615
• International students: $46,100

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course Fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Peter Turner Scholarship in Contemporary Photography

Careers and Job Opportunities

Most graduates of the Master of Māori Visual Arts have a full-time or part-time art practice.

The following are just some of the artists who have completed postgraduate study through Toioho ki Āpiti:

• Dr Huhana Smith (Ngāti Takorehe)
• Rangi Kipa (Taranaki, Te Atiawa Nui Tonu, Ngāti Maniapoto)
• Kura Te Waru-Rewiri (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa ki Kauwhata)
• Sandy Adsett (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pahauwera)
• Wi Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa)
• Tina Wirihana (Ngāti Maniapoto - Raukawa, Ngāti Pikiao)
• Kohai Grace (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa)
• Steve Gibbs (Ngāi Tamanuhiri)
• Dr Areta Wilkinson (Kai Tahu)
• Saffronn Te Ratana (Ngāi Tuhoe)
• Israel Tangaroa Birch (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu)
• Reweti Arapere (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Parou, Ngāti Tuwharetoa)
• Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi)
• Nicholas Galanin (Tlingit, Aleut)
• Natalie Ball (Klamath)
• Ngahina Hohaia (Parihaka, Ngāti Moeahu, Ngāti Haupoto, Taranaki iwi)
• Ngataiharuru Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa)
• Hemi McGregor (Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tuhoe)
• Kura Puke (Te Āti Awa)
• Regan Balzer (Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui)
• Chris Bryant (Ngāti Porou)
• Chanz Mikaere (Te Arawa, Mataatua)
• Gina Matchitt (Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Ngahere, Whakatōhea)

Accreditations and Rankings

QS Ranking - Art and Design

Massey is ranked among the global top 200 universities for art and design by QS World University Rankings.

Related Study Options

Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts – BMVA

Qualification: Bachelor's degree Credits: 480 Location: Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Join a unique community where te reo, tikanga and whanaungatanga are the keys to growing creative practices and processes in toi Māori.

Graduate Diploma in Design – GDipDes

Qualification: Graduate Diploma Credits: 120 Location: Wellington campus

Develop your technical skills and learn to think like a designer.

Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts – GradDipSCA

Qualification: Graduate Diploma Credits: 120 Location: Wellington campus

Develop your technical skills and learn to think like a professional in the screen arts sector.

Master of Design – MDes

Qualification: Master's degree Credits: 180 Location: Wellington campus

Go in depth with an advanced design research qualification. You’ll develop a creative outcome, often of direct application to design industry or community. We will help you make strong connections with the business, public or non-profit sector.

Master of Screen Arts – MSA

Qualification: Master's degree Credits: 180 Location: Wellington campus

Pursue screen arts research pathways, supported through connections and partnerships with industry and the sector. Our Master of Screen Arts (MSA) spans many fields; animation, documentary and factual, emerging creative technologies, film production, game development, media technology and visual effects.

Photography – Bachelor of Design with Honours

Specialisation: Photography Location: Wellington campus

Great photographers shake us, shift our perceptions and entice us to see things differently. Learn from leading photographers and develop your technical skills with our professional cameras and specialist studios and labs.

Photography – Bachelor of Design

Specialisation: Photography Location: Wellington campus

Great photographers shake us, shift our perceptions and entice us to see things differently. Learn from leading photographers and develop your technical skills with our professional cameras and specialist studios and labs.

Postgraduate Diploma in Design – PGDipDes

Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma Credits: 120 Location: Wellington campus

Go beyond your bachelor’s degree and advance your design thinking with a Postgraduate Diploma in Design.

Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts – PGDipMVA

Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma Credits: 120 Location: Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Toioho ki Āpiti (the Māori visual arts qualification at Massey) welcomes all indigenous and Pākehā artists.

Postgraduate Diploma in Screen Arts – PGDipScreenArts

Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma Credits: 120 Location: Wellington campus

Further your skills and training with the development and production of a significant screen arts project.

You'll be mentored and encouraged by leading contemporary and traditional Māori artists. The program is also open to Pākehā artists.

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This program emphasizes:

• Engagement in research and applied practices relevant to individual cultural contexts.

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Outline:

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Program Structure

Full-time students take 120 credits per year, or 60 credits per semester. The program structure consists of three parts:

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Part One (60-180 credits):

Students can select from various 30-credit courses in areas including:

• Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development
• Te Tau-Ihu o te Reo: Advanced Māori Literature
• Te Kaupapa Whakairo: Advanced Carving Techniques
• Te Waka Toi: Advanced Weaving Techniques
• Te Tataitanga Matatau: Advanced Studio Practice

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Part Two (120-240 credits):

Students focus on two main areas:

• Te Tataitanga Matatau (Master of Māori & Indigenous Arts & Design): Advanced Studio Practice
• Te Tataiohanga (Master of Visual Art): Advanced Studio Practice

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Part Three (Masters thesis, 60 credits)

This program focuses on a chosen research topic.

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Part Two Content:

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Te Tataitanga Matatau (Master of Māori & Indigenous Arts & Design) - 240 credits

This option allows students to develop a strong understanding of Māori and indigenous visual culture. The program includes various studio courses, such as:

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> Te Tataiao (90 credits): Advanced Studio Practice in Māori or Indigenous Visual Art

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> Rangahau Tohunga Waka (30 credits): Advanced Carving Studio

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> Rangahau Tohunga Toi Whakairo (30 credits): Advanced Weaving Techniques

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> Rangahau Whakairo: Pre-thesis Practicum (120 credits): Thesis preparation through the development of individual work

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> Ngā Miro Kapa Hanga Whare: Thesis Practicum (60 credits): Thesis focusing on the design, construction, and completion of a whare whakairo (meeting house)

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Assessment: The assessment methods may vary depending on the specific courses taken. However, they may include:

• Portfolios
• Essays
• Studio presentations and critiques
• Thesis defense

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Teaching:

• Students will work with leading Māori artists.
• The studio environment fosters individual exploration and collaboration with other artists.

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Other:

• This is a unique program for developing advanced studio practice skills in a culturally rich environment.

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Additional Notes:

This program is also offered online, providing flexibility for distance learners. To be eligible for admission, you must hold a relevant bachelor's degree or have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.