Te Reo Maori

The Bachelor of Te Reo Māori at the University of Canterbury offers students an immersive and comprehensive education in the Māori language, culture, and tikanga (customs). This programme is designed to develop fluency in Te Reo Māori while fostering a deep understanding of Māori history, traditions, and contemporary issues. Students will engage with Māori resources, participate in community-based projects, and learn from leading Māori scholars and practitioners. The curriculum covers language acquisition, linguistic analysis, and the application of Te Reo Māori in various contexts such as media, education, and governance. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical experiences, students will gain the skills necessary to promote and revitalise the Māori language within New Zealand society and beyond. The programme aims to equip graduates with both linguistic proficiency and cultural competency, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Māori and wider community initiatives. Whether pursuing careers in education, media, government, or cultural preservation, students will emerge with a strong foundation in Māori language and a respectful understanding of Māori worldview and protocols. The programme also emphasizes research and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore issues of language revitalization and Māori identity. Graduates of this degree will be well-prepared for roles that support Māori language development and intercultural understanding, playing a vital part in the ongoing effort to honour and sustain Māori heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand. With dedicated academic staff and strong ties to Māori communities, the Bachelor of Te Reo Māori provides an enriching environment for learners passionate about language, culture, and social change.

The MTeReo consists of an advanced language course and three other Te Reo Māori courses, followed by further coursework and research papers or a dissertation. Students will normally complete at least four courses before enrolling for a research dissertation.

Dissertation courses will normally be taken over the whole year, with the two research papers seperated into the first and second semesters. Students can begin their studies in February or July.

Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent.

If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.

Qualification specific requirements

Candidates wishing to enrol in the MTeReo must have either:

• qualified for a bachelor's degree with a major in Te Reo Māori, with at least a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level, or
• qualified for a bachelor's degree and have completed a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Te Reo Māori or Te Pourua Reo: Diploma in Te Reo Māori with at least a B+ average in 60 points at 300-level, or
• qualified for a bachelor's degree and have both relevant professional experience and a high level of competency in te reo Māori, or
• completed the four courses for the Postgraduate Diploma in Te Reo Māori with Merit or Distinction.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Funding options for the Te Reo Māori programme at the University of Canterbury include a variety of financial support avenues designed to assist students throughout their academic journey. Students enrolled in this programme may be eligible for government student loan schemes, which can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. The New Zealand Government offers Student Loan and Allowances programs that support domestic students pursuing approved tertiary qualifications, including Māori language studies. These loans are interest-free while students are enrolled and can be repaid once the borrower enters a stable income position.

In addition to government support, the university provides its own scholarship opportunities tailored specifically for students studying Te Reo Māori or related disciplines. These scholarships aim to promote Māori language revitalization and support students demonstrating academic excellence, commitment to Māori culture, or financial need. Examples include the Te Rōpū Reo Māori Scholarship and other Māori-focused grants established by the university’s Māori Development Office or external Māori organizations collaborating with the university.

International students enrolled in the Te Reo Māori programme may have access to different funding options, such as international student scholarships offered by the university or external agencies. These can include merit-based awards and need-based support, subject to specific eligibility criteria. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding from Māori community organizations, cultural trusts, and other private donors committed to supporting Māori language education and Māori students.

Work-study opportunities may also be available, allowing students to work part-time on campus or in related roles aligned with their field of study. This not only provides additional income but also valuable practical experience contributing to their academic and cultural learning.

Students are advised to consult the university’s financial aid office, programme coordinators, and the official university website for comprehensive and up-to-date information about available funding, application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Engaging with Māori-specific support services and Māori student associations can further enhance the likelihood of accessing available financial assistance and support networks.

Overall, funding for the Te Reo Māori programme encompasses a mix of government support, scholarships, external funding, and work opportunities, all aimed at fostering the growth of Māori language speakers and supporting students in their educational goals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Te Reo Māori at the University of Canterbury is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to promote the understanding, appreciation, and mastery of the Māori language and culture. This degree aims to develop students' proficiency in te reo Māori, enabling them to communicate effectively and engage deeply with Māori traditions, history, and contemporary issues. The program encompasses a wide range of courses that cover Māori language, literature, history, and cultural practices, providing students with a holistic education rooted in tikanga Māori (Māori customs and protocols). Students have the opportunity to participate in immersive language courses, which may include both classroom learning and community-based experiences, fostering fluency and cultural competence.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to explore Māori arts, storytelling, and oral traditions, as well as modern developments in Māori society. The curriculum is designed to enhance linguistic skills such as speaking, reading, writing, and listening, while also promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity. Many courses involve interaction with Māori communities, ensuring that students gain real-world experience and a respectful understanding of Māori perspectives. The degree prepares graduates for diverse careers where knowledge of te reo Māori is valuable, including education, government, community organizations, and the arts.

The program also emphasizes research and critical thinking skills related to Māori language and culture, often encouraging students to undertake projects or theses that contribute to Māori scholarship. Students enrolling in the program may have access to resources such as Māori language laboratories, cultural workshops, and mentorship from Māori faculty members. By completing this degree, graduates become equipped to support the revitalization and promotion of te reo Māori, contributing to New Zealand’s broader goals of Māori language revitalization and cultural preservation.

Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Te Reo Māori at the University of Canterbury combines linguistic training with cultural education, aiming to produce graduates who are not only fluent speakers but also ambassadors and advocates for Māori language and culture in various professional settings.