Course details

Master of Māori Visual Arts – MMVA
NZQF Level 9

About the course

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.

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.

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.

Entry requirements

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:

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.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses. 

Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.


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