Maori Health University of Otago

Overview

The Māori Health programme at the University of Otago provides a comprehensive foundation for students dedicated to improving health outcomes for indigenous populations. This degree empowers learners to integrate traditional knowledge with modern clinical and social service frameworks across Aotearoa.

Studying Māori Health at the University of Otago allows students to benefit from the expertise of inspirational hauora Māori kaiako. The institution is renowned for its Division of Health Sciences, which offers world-class facilities and a learning environment that deeply values te ao Māori. Students gain a unique perspective on health equity and service design.

The curriculum blends theoretical classroom learning with practical, real-life contexts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 43470 per year
• National fee: NZD 9584 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build expertise in human systems, epidemiology, and practical hauora Māori applications. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Māori Society
• Bioethics in Aotearoa
• Human Body Systems 1
• Human Body Systems 2
• Epidemiology
• Population Health

Year 2

• Human Health Across the Lifespan
• Hauora Māori in Practice: Working with Individuals and Whānau
• Health Promotion
• Hauora Māori: Challenges and Opportunities
• Māori and Tikanga
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Health Policy and Politics
• The Treaty and Social Services
• Māori Physical Education and Health

Year 3

• Hauora Māori in Practice: Working with Organisations and Communities
• Māori Health Research
• Applied Aspects of Human Health
• Wellness and Ability
• Public and Global Health: Current Issues
• Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work

Careers with Māori Health

Graduates are equipped to address the determinants of health and foster equity within various professional settings. The programme prepares individuals for roles that require both cultural integrity and clinical responsiveness in the public and private sectors.

Potential career pathways include becoming a Māori health practitioner, community health worker, or health policy adviser. Graduates may also find opportunities as health promotion specialists, disability services workers, or research coordinators focused on indigenous health outcomes.

The skills acquired are highly relevant to roles in health planning, social services, and Māori health research. By understanding the complexities of the healthcare system, alumni are positioned to create meaningful change within communities and national health organisations.