Scholarship overview
Key facts
Application dates
This scholarship supports a Master of Design (MDes) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student to undertake a funded research project within Te Whiri Whītau, a research cluster in Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts. The scholarship provides a stipend of $15,000 and covers full domestic tuition fees for the research component of the master's programme (12 months).
Te Whiri Whītau undertakes Indigenous-led and place-based research that explores regenerative futures through design, creative practice, materials research, and systems thinking. The cluster focuses on relationships between people, places, ecologies, and materials, with particular interests in natural fibres, biomaterials, natural dyes, paper, living systems, and emerging material futures. Building on Indigenous knowledge, local contexts, and collaborative ways of working, Te Whiri Whītau seeks research that contributes positively to environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing.
Project Areas:
The successful applicant will undertake a defined research project developed in collaboration with Te Whiri Whītau researchers in one of the following areas:
- Te Kouka fibre Processing for textile and materials applications
- Natural dyes and earth pigments for textile colouration and surface design
- Experimental spinning techniques for indigenous fibres and fibre blends
- Storytelling and science communication for fibres, textiles and materials
Additional information:
The master's candidate will work closely with a supervisory team drawn from Te Whiri Whītau, and other areas of Massey as appropriate, and will become an active member of the research cluster. This includes participating in relevant research activities, seminars, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration with researchers, industry, community partners, and other postgraduate students where appropriate.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, research potential, and an interest in contributing to innovative and impactful research. In addition to relevant disciplinary skills, candidates should be able to critically reflect on and articulate their own position in relation to Indigenous-led and place-based research approaches. This does not require applicants to be Indigenous themselves; rather, candidates should demonstrate an ability to engage respectfully, reflexively, and thoughtfully with the values, responsibilities, and relationships that underpin this work.
For more information about Te Whiri Whītau, visit: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/colleges-schools-and-institutes/college-of-creative-arts/college-of-creative-arts-research/te-whiri-whitau/
If you would like to discuss your application please contact Paul James
Who we're looking for
Applicants will normally have completed, or be in the final year of, a Bachelor of Design with Honours, Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, or an equivalent qualification. Preference will be given to candidates with experience or interests relevant to the advertised project area, such as textiles, fibres, biomaterials, sustainable design, material innovation, or related fields.
Te Whiri Whītau undertakes Indigenous-led and place-based research that explores relationships between people, materials, environments, and systems. Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of these approaches and an ability to critically position themselves, their knowledge, and their research practice in relation to Indigenous and place-based research contexts.
Applicants should also demonstrate strong critical thinking, research capability, initiative, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively through visual, material, written and/or creative practices. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with members of the Te Whiri Whītau research cluster and contribute to project outcomes.
You will have completed a Honours qualification or have a B Average in 400/700 level courses if currently completing a Honours qualification at Massey.
Application checklist
Include the following with your application:
- Project proposal (focusing on approach)
- Transcripts and Portfolio if you are not currently studying with at Massey
- Your CV