Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of International Security (MIntlSy) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate qualification drawing on strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies, political geography, human geography and related fields.
• It develops knowledge of international-security theory and practice together with analytical and communication skills relevant to security environments.
• Students examine geopolitical forces, political violence, peace and stabilisation operations, state-building, emerging security threats and the changing international security environment.
• The programme incorporates an independent applied-security research component, allowing students to develop an area of research/professional interest.
• Massey highlights close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector and an interagency perspective.
• The programme is particularly relevant to students seeking postgraduate knowledge for careers in government, policy, security, intelligence, defence, policing, risk management and related sectors.
• International students can study the qualification online from outside New Zealand, making it possible to complete the degree without relocating to New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MIntlSy is a parts-based qualification.

Part One – 120 credits

Compulsory course:

• 294720 International Security – 30 credits.

This course examines foundational international-security concepts, institutional frameworks and emerging global challenges, including traditional and non-traditional security threats, state and non-state actors, international organisations and geopolitical change.

Subject courses:

Students select 60 credits according to their chosen subject/specialisation.

Current subject areas include:

• Counter-Terrorism
• Intelligence
• Defence
• Border and Biosecurity

The official regulations recognise these four subjects.

The programme page currently displays Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence as online specialisation options, as well as the option to study without a specialisation.

Elective – 30 credits

Current elective choices include:

• 230707 Social Science Research Design and Practice – 30 credits
• 294701 New Zealand National Security – 30 credits
• 294710 Intelligence-led Policing – 30 credits
• 294715 Asia-Pacific Security Environment – 30 credits.

Examples of subject content include:

• international security theory
• geopolitical and strategic analysis
• New Zealand national security
• intelligence activities and intelligence-led policing
• counter-terrorism
• violent extremism and radicalisation
• Asia-Pacific security
• research methodology
• political violence
• peace and stabilisation operations
• emerging security threats.

Part Two – 60 credits

• 294820 Applied Security Research Project – 60 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The degree may be completed with or without a subject/specialisation. Under the current qualification regulations, recognised MIntlSy subjects are:

• Defence
• Border and Biosecurity
• Intelligence
• Counter-Terrorism.

The current online programme pages specifically provide:

• Master of International Security – Counter-Terrorism
• Master of International Security – Intelligence
• Master of International Security – 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 from outside New Zealand.
• February, July and November starts are listed for the online specialisations, subject to course sequencing.
• Multidisciplinary approach covering international relations, strategic studies, military studies, political science, geography and related fields.
• Optional specialisation.
• Applied research project.
• Interagency/security-sector perspective.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in intelligence or counter-terrorism.
• Potential relevance to government, defence, policing, policy, risk and security-sector careers.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that the qualification can support careers in government and non-government security agencies and international security operations.

Specific areas identified by Massey include:

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current qualification is explicitly available to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.
• The current programme structure requires a B- average across the first 90 credits for progression to Part Two.
• The degree can be completed with or without a specialisation.
• Current regulations recognise Defence, Border and Biosecurity, Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism as subjects.
• The online programme page currently highlights Counter-Terrorism, Intelligence and Without Specialisation.
• Advanced entry may be available where recognised prior study results in credit toward Part One; Massey states that eligible students may be able to complete the qualification in 60–120 credits.
• Official transcripts from all universities other than Massey must be provided.
• A CV is required where admission is sought through the extensive professional-experience/equivalent-status route.
• Course sequencing can mean that some advertised start dates require an additional semester beyond the nominal 1.5-year duration.