Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts

The Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts is a course for students who already possess a qualification in Māori Art or who can demonstrate equivalent qualifications. It is a stepping stone to the Master of Māori Visual Arts. Most aspiring Masters students first enrol in the postgraduate diploma, then transfer to the Masters after a year if they achieve the required grade (B average or above)
Toioho ki Āpiti, welcomes all indigenous and pakeha artists by encouraging engagement in research and applied practices relevant to individual cultural contexts. If you are an international student thinking of studying Māori Visual Arts at Massey, please contact Massey’s International Office for essential information about visa applications and other processes.

In the postgraduate diploma, you will balance independent creative work in the studio with learning in Māori studies or museum studies, although art-making will be what you spend most of your time doing. Students who have over 10 years of exhibition practice can apply to do a studio-only postgraduate diploma; just talk to us about your situation.

The Māori Visual Arts programme embraces customary practices from carving to weaving to kowhaiwhai yet fosters work that does not necessarily adhere to visual indicators of ‘Maori’ art. The work coming out of Toioho ki Apiti,, especially at postgraduate level, often asks critical questions about identity and visual culture and exists at the interface of ‘Western’ and ‘indigenous’ art.

Students can study on campus, with studio space provided, or by distance. Full-time and part-time options are available, so you can fit study around work and whanau commitments.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. It is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. You will find you have to be more self-directed, especially in planning your time. You will develop a deeper understanding of how to express Māori or indigenous visual culture.