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Graduate Profile for Bachelor of Māori and Pacific Development
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Graduate Profile for Bachelor of Māori and Pacific Development (BMPD)What is a Bachelor of Māori and Pacific Development?The Bachelor of Māori and Pacific Development (BMPD) is an interdisciplinary three-year degree, which opens important doors to careers in working alongside Māori and Pacific Island communities to enhance their development and life choices. A BMPD offers papers which are designed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of development by examining the geography, cultures, political arrangements, and economic ties of Nation-States and indigenous groups of the Pacific region. The degree programme focuses on acquiring skills in critical thought, cross-cultural analysis and ethnographic fieldwork in order to strengthen personal attributes, life experiences and cultural backgrounds for development careers in a wide variety of areas. There is a strong fieldwork component underpinning the degree programme. Students are encouraged to incorporate principles of social and cultural research into their assessment work and demonstrate their ability to conduct fieldwork according to the Human Research Ethics Regulations of the University of Waikato and indigenous values. The University of Waikato designs its programmes and conducts its assessments in relation to the needs and aspirations of community, business and national bodies. It also accommodates the social, cultural and economic goals that Government identifies as priority areas of research. The University is committed to valuing "the principles and purposes embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi," and is "acknowledged as New Zealand's leading provider of university education to Māori." In keeping with the University's strategic goals, the BMPD teaches students to incorporate priority areas of social, cultural and economic research identified by Government into their work in order to ensure that it is relevant to the needs of Māori and Pacific Island communities and national and regional development goals. The BMPD is the only degree of its kind in a New Zealand University that is solely committed to critically assessing the relationship between development strategies and Māori and Pacific Island communities, Nation-States and the Pacific region. It offers diverse coverage in research areas of governance, capacity building, resource sustainability, and globalization, and their effects on Māori and Pacific Island groups at community, national and regional level. Its particular uniqueness is that the BMPD prioritizes research into "grassroots" communities by examining how development strategies organize Māori and Pacific Island groups on the ground in village, tribal, provincial, national, transnational, regional and global contexts. The BMPD analyzes how development strategies can effectively strengthen the organization of Māori and Pacific Island groups to improve the quality of lives and living places plus the sustainability of human and natural resources. In terms of innovative strategic leadership, the BMPD is original in aiming to create working alliances between Māori and Pacific Island groups at community, national and regional level in order to develop a vision of collaborative research, learning and knowledge sharing. In contrast to the vast majority of degree programmes across New Zealand and overseas, the BMPD is taught largely by academic staff who are of Māori and Pacific Island identity. This gives the BMPD its unique edge to compete internationally. It is a degree whose learning environment is facilitated by "insiders" who teach students how to develop practical skills and critical thinking so that they can assist Māori and Pacific Island communities to solve problems, and create answers, on their own terms. Students enrolled in the BMPD can major in either Development Studies or Māori Studies. Alternatively, students may choose to major in both Development Studies and Māori Studies. The BMPD can open doors to a range of careers in development fields based in New Zealand or in international centres. Students who achieve top grades may go on to complete a BMPD Honours degree. The BMPD students may apply for a place in a short-term exchange programme with the University of Hawaii and have their papers credited to the BMPD. In addition, students are offered the opportunity to prioritize the study of Te Reo Māori in their degree programme and use it as a dominant medium of assessment. By 2004, Development Studies will offer all its papers on-line for students to study off campus. This strategic initiative is intended to integrate information technology (IT) into a Development Studies major to provide a global learning service specifically for Māori and Pacific Island students who on the one hand wish to remain in their respective tribal, urban or island locations building on their indigenous identities and on the other, traversing pathways of learning that prepare them for their roles as global citizens of the world.. Philosophy of Learning and Community Orientation"Kia mau te hihiri o te matauranga hei tirama i to ara: Hold fast to the inspiration of education as a beacon for your pathway." The learning philosophy of the School of Māori and Pacific Development is driven by indigenous values and practices that are relevant to community, national and regional agendas and founded on internationally renown levels of research and scholarship in the field. The learning environment we nurture is grounded in social and cultural research, coupled with applied theory which relates directly to the organization of "grassroots" communities, Nation-States and the Pacific region. The paper, MPDV200 - Indigenous Development in the Pacific Region, is an example of how research ethics, community orientation, indigenous values and practices relevant to community, national and regional agendas is worked into a course. The course incorporates current staff research works about development and its relationship to community, national and regional organization in the context of a global economy. Group studies taught in 2002 include Independence and Governance in the Solomon Islands, Urban Māori and Pacific Islanders in South Auckland, Village Development and Limestone Quarrying in Tonga, and Conservation Policy and Local Iwi in Te Tai Raawhiti (East Coast Region of the North Island). As a second year core paper in Development Studies, this forms part of the staircasing between Year 1 and Year 3 which consolidates skills, knowledge and experiences that BMPD students are expected to acquire at undergraduate level. Therefore, all students learn the fundamental tenets of conducting "insider" research alongside one's identity group in conjunction with the Human Ethics Regulations of the University of Waikato. Students are assessed on the design and conduct of a community-based research project, in the course of which they have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to practice research methods and ethics introduced by the course presenters. Social and cultural research coupled with applied theory means that students learn how to conduct research with ethical responsibility in order to ensure their methods are aligned with the development aspirations and the "grassroots" organization of the group they are working alongside. Social and cultural research conducted through fieldwork, which is aligned with the University's Ethics Regulations and indigenous values, is incorporated into the BMPD. The School of Māori and Pacific Development encourages all teaching staff to be active researchers alongside their identity groups and to be advocates of ethical procedures. It is supportive of staff undertaking research projects with Māori and Pacific Island communities and encourages collaborative research ventures across disciplinary fields on campus and between Universities. The competitive edge our graduates have over other degree holders is their specialized ability and skill in conducting social and cultural research alongside Māori and Pacific Island groups in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The School of Māori and Pacific Development is conscientious in promoting the study and use of Te Reo Māori for ethnographic fieldwork and the writing of research projects undertaken with Māori communities. BMPD ContentThe BMPD is a three-year degree, which consists of 21 papers. Examples of a BMPD majoring in Development Studies with Anthropology as a supporting subject or a BMPD/BA/BsocSc with a double major in Māori Studies and Development Studies may be obtained from the University of Waikato calendar. A double major in Māori Studies and Development Studies creates multiple pathways to career opportunities. A practical knowledge of Te Reo Māori and skills in social research and cross-cultural analysis gives students an employable advantage over other degree holders who are not as confidently, competently or rigorously trained in a specialized field of learning. Skills, Application and ExperienceBachelor of Māori and Pacific Development graduates have an in-depth understanding of development strategies that inform the organization of "grassroots" communities. They understand how development strategies influence relationships between communities, the State and the wider Pacific region. They are informed social analysts and critical thinkers who are competent fieldwork researchers with Māori and Pacific Island communities. They are able to critically engage in dialogue and development-related activities within informal environments with community groups and within formal environments in University, public management and business contexts. Global Citizenship and Indigenous IdentityGraduates are conscientious about the personal and professional responsibility they are assigned as members of indigenous groups of the Pacific region and as citizens in the age of globalization. They are informed about the ethics and morals involved in working for Government agencies and non-government organizations in order to make a practical "hands-on" difference towards pursuit of the development goals that Māori and Pacific Island groups envision. They have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and other constitutional arrangements of groups of the Pacific region. They therefore know how to apply these principles to reach achievable outcomes for the indigenous communities involved. Graduates are fully aware of their role as global citizens in the contemporary world. They are committed to "making a difference" to improving indigenous lives and living places through their work-related activities and are strong advocates of Human, Indigenous, Women's, Children's, Minority, Migrant, and Unemployed group rights. Graduates are taught to develop a moral and social conscience towards groups who are discriminated against and marginalized through, restricted access to opportunity, education, and employment. Through a strong grounding in the indigenous development of Māori and Pacific Island groups in the Pacific region, students learn to situate the common ties of these experiences in a global development framework. From here, they realize the interrelationship of community, national, regional and global development and can value cultural differences, tolerate diversity, and practice critical thinking about issues that effect their identity groups. Writing and PresentingGraduates are confident social researchers in the field and skilled writers and presenters in English. For those who complete a double major, they are bilingual communicators in English and Māori. The BMPD trains students to be articulate public speakers and debaters. They also have an excellent command of written English for a range of tasks from compiling reports, expository pieces, short publishable articles to preparing strategic planning documents, literature reviews and bibliographies. BMPD assessments prepare students to work competently in a range of academic, public and community-based media and to meet the communication requirements of a range of different careers and audiences. Critical Thinking and Cross-Cultural StudiesGraduates are able to identify, formulate and discuss solutions to development problems on the ground in "grassroots" communities in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In ways that are different from the majority of other degree programmes, the BMPD teaches students applied theory and practical skills for working with "real life" situations in Māori and Pacific Island communities, Nation-States and the Pacific region. Graduates are able to distinguish clearly between "pure theory" and "applied theory," and learn to be persistently critical of conjecture and speculation when researching development issues that impact on "grassroots" groups. Graduates are able to find, select and compile written sources that relate to a specific research area, and can evaluate the relevance of a body of literature to the development issue and particular indigenous group with which they are involved. They are highly skilled in gathering public data and conducting fieldwork with human informants. Graduates know how to make well-informed decisions in terms of shaping a research piece to answer a specific inquiry by meeting structural requirements. They are also efficient in managing their time to meet deadlines. Graduate DegreesPostgraduate Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development Career Pathways for the BMPDPrivate SectorBusiness Development Community SectorCommunity Development Public Sector OptionsPolicy Analysis ConclusionThe BMPD is a unique degree because of its specialized examination of the relationship between development and the organization of Māori and Pacific Island communities, Nation-States and the Pacific region. Graduates who double major in Development Studies and Māori Studies have a competitive advantage over other degree holders because of their confidence in conducting social research in Te Reo Māori and translating, analyzing and creating solutions in line with community aspirations and ethical procedures. BMPD graduates are critical thinkers and social activists who are committed to "making a difference" to attaining achievable development outcomes for Māori and Pacific Island communities in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. They are also conscientious global citizens who advocate social justice and economic opportunity for all minority and marginalized groups.
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Graduate Profile for Postgraduate Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development (PGDipMPD)PreambleThe papers offered by the University of Waikato towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development (PGDipMPD) have been designed to achieve the following particular outcomes involving mastery of content, acquisition of skills and development of attributes. Learning experiences are incorporated into the programme to bring about these desired outcomes, and assessment is designed to ensure that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their achievement. The University has developed strong relationships and networks with communities and businesses to ensure that its programmes and qualifications are relevant and responsive to our students' needs as well as their needs. The University is also responsive to a range of social and economic goals which have been identified as priorities by Government. The generic capabilities developed by our graduates are of critical importance, as are specialist knowledge and skills. This graduate profile includes an outline of its links with other education sector groups, community groups, industry and employers who have an interest in the capabilities of graduates of this qualification, who contribute to programme planning and development and who also, in many cases, provide workplace experience opportunities. The PGDipMPD is a four paper postgraduate qualification, normally completed over one year of full-time study or two years on part-time. The postgraduate diploma consists of four core courses taught by the Department of Development Studies in the School of Māori and Pacific Development. Elective options may be considered to enable a student to cross-credit papers, depending on the student's undergraduate background. Entry into the PGDipMPD requires a BA or a relevant or similar bachelor's degree, with at least a B+ average. Students should have completed the undergraduate major in Māori and Pacific Development, or have majored in a related field such as; Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Law, Management Studies, Māori and Pacific Development, Pacific Studies or Political Science and Public Policy. Students who do not hold a Bachelor's degree but who have acquired significant experience(s) in Māori and Pacific development, policy analysis, community development, and management and who wish to return to university to further their qualifications may be considered for admittance into the program depending on the relevance of their experience. Acceptance will be determined on an individual basis. Mastery of ContentThe content of the PGDipMPD provides: · the underlying concepts and principles associated with social,
cultural, political, and economic development for indigenous people Acquisition of SkillsA student enrolled in the PGDipMPD has the: Development of AttributesThe PGDipMPD helps a student develop: · an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of
knowledge Graduate Pathways in Further EducationUpon the completion of the PGDipMPD, a student is able to further their education. The Department of Development Studies offers a Masters paper in Māori and Pacific Development (MMPD) that follows on from the PGDipMPD. After completing the MMPD a student is able to enroll in a Masters of Philosophy or a Doctorate of Philosophy depending on their situation. The following are the degrees offered to students: · Master of Māori and Pacific Development Community and Workplace ProspectsThe PGDipMPD equips a student with a qualification to contribute towards the enhancement of social, cultural, political, and economic development in New Zealand and overseas. It is a degree that provides expertise in the field of development in Māori and Pacific communities. This qualification prepares the student to compete articulately in the workforce. Networks into Other SectorsThe PGDipMPD prepares the student to develop relationships with different sectors in New Zealand society. These sectors are positioned in the Public Sector, the Private Sector and the Third Sector. The following list is a breakdown of sectors that provide opportunities for students with the PGDipMPD to foster potential linkages and to network in. Public Sector OptionsPolicy Analysis Private Sector OptionsBusiness Development Third Sector OptionsCommunity Development |
Graduate Profile for Master of Māori and Pacific Development (MMPD)PreambleThe papers offered by the University of Waikato towards the Master of Māori and Pacific Development (MMPD) have been designed to achieve the following particular outcomes involving mastery of content, acquisition of skills and development of attributes. Learning experiences are incorporated into the programme to bring about these desired outcomes, and assessment is designed to ensure that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their achievement. The University has developed strong relationships and networks with communities and businesses to ensure that its programmes and qualifications are relevant and responsive to our students' needs as well as their needs. The University is also responsive to a range of social and economic goals which have been identified as priorities by Government. The generic capabilities developed by our graduates are of critical importance, as are specialist knowledge and skills. This graduate profile includes an outline of its links with other education sector groups, community groups, industry and employers who have an interest in the capabilities of graduates of this qualification, who contribute to programme planning and development and who also, in many cases, provide workplace experience opportunities. The MMPD is a four paper degree, normally completed over one year of full-time study, although a part-time option is available. The degree usually consists of at least a two paper thesis and electives, which may be taken outside the department in a related field of study. Entry requires a Postgraduate Diploma, BA(Hons) with level five papers, or the equivalent in a relevant field, with a minimum of a B+ average. The degree caters particularly for students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development. Mastery of ContentThe MMPD prepares a student so that they can critically analyse and develop: · the underlying concepts and principles associated with the area(s)
of study Acquisition of SkillsA student with the MMPD has the ability to: · develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance
with basic theories and concepts in their subject (s) Development of AttributesA student enrolled in the MMPD develops: · an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of
knowledge Graduate Pathways in Further EducationUpon the completion of the MMPD a student is able to further their education. The Department of Development Studies offers a Master of Philosophy paper in Māori and Pacific Development (MPhil) that follows the MMPD. After completing the MPhil a student is able to enroll in a Doctorate of Philosophy depending on their situation. Community and Workplace ProspectsThe MMPD prepares the student with a qualification to contribute towards the enhancement of social, cultural, political, and economic development in New Zealand and overseas. It is a degree that provides expertise in the field of development in Māori and Pacific communities. This qualification enables the student to compete articulately in the workforce. Networks into Other SectorsThe MMPD contributes to the development of individual expertise so that a student is able to build strong relationships primarily with different sectors in New Zealand society and, where opportunities arise, with New Zealand's strategic interests overseas including the Pacific. These sectors are positioned in the Public Sector, the Private Sector and the Third Sector. The following list is a breakdown of sectors that provide pathways for students with the MMPD to foster potential linkages and to network in. Public Sector OptionsPolicy Analysis Private Sector OptionsBusiness Development Third Sector OptionsCommunity Development |
