Indigenous Studies will broaden your understanding of the world as you explore humanity’s cultural diversity.
It will change your world view as you learn about indigenous cultures, histories and societies.
You will explore the dynamic living cultures of indigenous peoples and learn how indigenous knowledge systems can generate change that is sustainable, transformative and of benefit to everyone.
Why study Indigenous Studies?
Whether you want to learn about and promote the interests of indigenous people locally, or around the world, a major in Indigenous Studies will help you achieve this.
Through this programme you will learn the value of indigenous knowledge through the critical reading and research of selected indigenous societies and cultures in both historical and contemporary contexts. You will also examine how such knowledge may help support the varied interests and needs of contemporary indigenous people and communities as they engage with and manage the issues of living in the present world in order to sustain their peoples, cultures and communities into the future.
Indigenous knowledge has its place in every aspect of society. Wherever your interests lie, Indigenous Studies complements many fields of study and work, including:
environmental sustainability
resource management
policy development
education
historical and cultural studies
language revitalisation
primary healthcare and preventative medicine
economic wellbeing
social and community development
social research
Indigenous Studies encourages you to explore the connectivity between these disciplines and how their methodologies and intellectual genealogies can further enable indigenous communities to determine their own futures.
Graduates develop a multi-disciplinary, culturally inflected understanding of indigenous concepts and issues, including the use of co-operation rather than competition, and the importance of relationality and respecting differences.
Career opportunities
Our students are equipped with an understanding of indigenous cultural philosophies that are relevant in a myriad of employment situations.
Graduates with a degree in Indigenous Studies have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base, which can lead to careers in the fields of:
Education
Social Work
Business
Law
Policy and governance
Waitangi Tribunal
Foreign Affairs
Health
Community organisations
Archeology
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
MAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational Māori, or another language paper as approved by the Dean of the School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies
Note: 300-level papers selected should be consistent with interdisciplinary choices at 200-level. Approved papers may be drawn from those offered by other Divisions.
Plus
162 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.
162
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts (See Note below).
Total
360
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
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