Certificate in Indigenous Narrative
Creative Media
A course by
University of Canterbury
An introduction to indigenous storytelling in the digital media industry, designed for those seeking professional development in creative media with a focus on Māori, Pacific, and other Indigenous cultures.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
University of Canterbury, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop Indigenous storytelling skills
Learn how to build stories, characters, and worlds that are meaningful, ethical, and culturally inclusive with a focus on Indigenous perspectives.
Understand digital media applications
Apply Indigenous narratives in digital media contexts, including film and video games.
Engage with Indigenous creators and scholarship
Opportunities to join Te Whare Pūrākau Academy and connect with Indigenous creators for collaborative development.
What You're Signing Up For
The Certificate in Indigenous Narrative introduces students to Indigenous storytelling in the digital media industry, from films to video games. It is ideal professional development for those working in creative media industries, aimed at developing awareness and abilities to incorporate Māori, Pacific, and other Indigenous cultures in their work. The programme is structured to build meaningful, ethical, and culturally inclusive narratives for digital platforms.
Course Content
- Building stories, characters, and culturally significant worlds
- Ethical and inclusive narrative design
- Indigenous literature in Aotearoa and beyond
- Māori film and media
- Digital screen storytelling
- Screenwriting and story development
- Creative writing techniques
- Māori thought, beliefs and practices
- Pacific cultural knowledge and digital innovation
- Indigenous stories in digital realms
What you need to know first
University Entrance (or equivalent).
UC's English language requirements for non-native English speakers.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Creative media
Film and video game production
Arts and culture
Future employment opportunities might be
Creative advisor
Screenwriter
Concept designer
Roles in creative media with Indigenous focus