Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of International Security (Intelligence) is a postgraduate qualification focused on intelligence within national and international security environments. Massey describes it as relevant across the wider security sector and designed to develop understanding of historical, theoretical and empirical approaches, together with the ability to apply intelligence-related knowledge in professional settings. The wider qualification draws on strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies, political and human geography and related fields.

Key benefits include:

• Specialisation in Intelligence within a 180-credit Master of International Security.
• Study of intelligence gathering, analysis and the intelligence cycle.
• Examination of intelligence operations and their role in national and international security.
• Development of analytical, research and communication skills relevant to security contexts.
• Exposure to multi-agency perspectives and contemporary security issues.
• A substantial applied research component through the Applied Security Research Project.
• Online study from outside New Zealand, making the programme accessible to international students without relocating to New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The master's is a parts-based qualification. Students must complete Part One before progressing to Part Two. The current regulations require 180 credits overall.

Part One includes:

• International Security – 30 credits. This examines international security concepts, institutional frameworks, traditional and non-traditional security threats, state and non-state actors, international organisations and geopolitical change.
• Intelligence specialisation courses – 60 credits.
• Other Part One course requirements/electives as specified by the programme regulations.

For the Intelligence specialisation, the available 30-credit intelligence courses include:

• 294710 Intelligence-led Policing – 30 credits. Examines intelligence-led policing and related intelligence practices in policing and other policy/enforcement areas.
• 294741 Intelligence in the International Security Environment – 30 credits. Covers intelligence concepts and methodologies, intelligence gathering and analysis, the intelligence cycle, and applied intelligence in investigations and detection.
• 294744 Intelligence Operations – 30 credits. Examines security intelligence operations using research and selected case studies, including the role of intelligence in national and international security operations.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of International Security can be awarded with or without a subject.

The current regulations identify these specialisations:

• Defence
• Border and Biosecurity
• Intelligence
• Counter-Terrorism
• Without specialisation

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Dedicated Intelligence specialisation.
• Study of intelligence gathering, analysis, intelligence cycles and intelligence operations.
• Applied research project worth 60 credits.
• Multidisciplinary security focus drawing on strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies and human geography.
• Minimum B- progression requirement after the first 90 credits.
• Opportunity to develop advanced knowledge applicable across government and non-government security environments.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that the Master of International Security can prepare graduates for careers in government and non-government security agencies and international security operations. Identified career areas include:

• Intelligence analysis
• Regional politics analysis
• Policy analysis
• Risk management
• Security management
• Customs
• Police
• Defence forces
• Peacekeeping
• Truce monitoring
• Management
• Planning
• Conflict resolution
• Politics.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme page confirms that the Intelligence specialisation is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Important current programme requirements include:

• Minimum B- average in a relevant bachelor's degree or accepted postgraduate pathway.
• B- average in the first 90 credits is required to progress to Part Two.
• Verified academic transcripts are required for studies completed outside Massey.
• A CV is required when applying through the scholarly-work/professional-experience pathway.
• The programme is parts-based, so Part One must be completed before Part Two.
• Course sequencing can affect the minimum completion period. 

International Student Visa Requirements

An important distinction applies to this programme: Massey currently states that the Master of International Security (Intelligence) is distance and online and is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Therefore, an international student who remains outside New Zealand and completes this programme online does not need a New Zealand student visa simply to undertake the online programme.

If a student instead intends to physically travel to New Zealand for study, the applicable immigration requirements would depend on the nature and duration of the proposed study. For an approved full-time programme undertaken in New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa generally requires:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition or an appropriate scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Full-time study in the approved course.