Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Security and Crime Science is designed around evidence-based approaches to understanding and preventing crime and improving security. It combines security and crime science with disciplines including:

• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Population Studies
• Psychology
• Management
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cyber security
• Political science
• Economics
• Law
• M?ori and Indigenous development
• Demographic research

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme's published structure includes compulsory study plus additional approved Security and Crime Science papers.

For the standard 180-point MSCS, the programme page specifies the following compulsory papers unless a student is approved to take CRSCI594:

• CRSCI501 – Foundations of Security and Crime Science 1 – 15 points
• CRSCI502 – Foundations of Security and Crime Science 2 – 15 points
• IRSST505 – 30 points
• MAORI518 – 15 points
• PSYCH544 – 15 points
• CRSCI592 – Dissertation – 60 points
• Plus another 45 points from papers prescribed under Security and Crime Science. 

The latest 2027 Security and Crime Science subject regulations list relevant advanced papers such as:

• CRSCI501 – Foundations of Security and Crime Science 1
• CRSCI502 – Foundations of Security and Crime Science 2
• COMPX521 – Interpretable Machine Learning
• COMPX532 – Information Visualisation
• FPSYC502 – The Psychology of Crime and Criminality: Theories and Approaches
• GEOGY538 – Automated Spatial Analysis using Geographic Information Systems
• GEOGY558 – Applied Geographic Information Systems for Research and Planning
• INTRL506 – Geopolitics in the New World Disorder: Advanced Study
• LEGAL501 – Advanced Evidence Law
• LEGAL526 – Legal Aspects of Cyber Security
• PSYCH536 – Eyewitness Memory, Psychological Science and the Law
• PSYCH575 – Kaupapa M?ori Psychology
• PSYCH580 – The Psychology of Crime and Criminality: Research and Practice 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MSCS is explicitly multidisciplinary rather than divided into formal named specialisations.

Its academic scope draws on:

• Crime science
• Security studies
• Psychology
• Statistics and data analysis
• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• GIS and spatial analysis
• Cyber security
• Political studies and international relations
• Population studies
• Demography
• Law
• Management
• Maori and Indigenous perspectives

Programme Highlights

Key distinguishing features include:

• First programme of its kind in New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, according to Waikato.
• Led by the New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science.
• Connection with New Zealand Police and evidence-based policing research.
• Multidisciplinary approach combining crime science with computing, psychology, statistics, GIS, law, political science and other fields.
• Strong focus on real-world security and crime problems.
• Research and applied-project orientation.
• Development of evidence-based policy and crime-prevention capabilities.
• Training in analytical, data-driven and systems-oriented approaches.
• Integration of ethical, legal, cultural and Aotearoa New Zealand perspectives.

Career Outcomes

The University identifies potential career opportunities including:

• Traffic accident analyst
• Security enhancement engineer
• Social investment expert
• Crime data scientist
• Counter-terrorism analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Policy analyst
• Penetration tester

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

This is the most important current update for prospective international students:

• The University currently says there will be no new enrolments into the Master of Security and Crime Science until further notice.
• The qualification is explicitly marked as not currently available for new enrolments.
• The University recommends the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Security and Crime Science as alternatives.
• The older MSCS regulations state that the qualification was not offered in 2026.
• At the same time, the University has published 2027 Security and Crime Science subject regulations, so individual Security and Crime Science papers remain documented for 2027 even though the master's itself is currently closed to new enrolments.

International Student Visa Requirements

If the MSCS reopens and an international student receives an eligible Offer of Place, the relevant New Zealand visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Visa: Fee Paying Student Visa
• Cost: from NZD 850
• Maximum length: up to 4 years
• Study: full-time study at an approved education provider
• Tuition: applicant must show sufficient funds to pay tuition or have an applicable scholarship
• Living costs: applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds or have an acceptable sponsor
• Insurance: acceptable medical and travel insurance is required
• Health and character requirements apply
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand is required
• Applicants must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay
• Work rights: up to 25 hours per week while studying and full-time during holidays, depending on the conditions attached to the visa
• Student visa holders can travel in and out of New Zealand while the visa remains valid
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before planned travel.