Why Study/Key Benefits

The Diploma in Arts (Politics and International Relations) at Massey University is an undergraduate qualification focused on understanding how political decisions are made, how power operates, and how domestic and international political systems interact. Massey describes the subject as covering political theory, political parties, electoral systems, public policy, international relations, geopolitics and contemporary world affairs. It is particularly suitable for students interested in politics, society, economies, cultures and global affairs.

Key benefits include:

• Study politics and international relations as a focused Diploma in Arts endorsement.
• Develop analytical, critical-thinking, research and communication skills.
• Explore both New Zealand politics and international political issues.
• Study topics such as geopolitics, political thought, democratic politics, peace studies and international conflict.
• The qualification can provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Arts, with Massey stating that all Diploma in Arts courses can transfer to the Bachelor of Arts if the student subsequently proceeds to that degree.
• Flexible study is available through campus-based and distance/online options.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Diploma in Arts requires 120 credits. For the endorsement option, the current structure is:

• Core courses: 30 credits
• Politics and International Relations endorsement: 60 credits
• Elective: 30 credits

The endorsement requires at least 60 credits from the selected subject area. Students must also satisfy Massey's overall rules concerning course levels and credit limits.

Compulsory Politics and International Relations course

200161 Politics Unveiled: Who decides? – 15 credits

This introductory course examines the nature and study of politics, including:

• Political theory
• Political parties
• Electoral systems
• Public policy
• International relations

Politics and International Relations subject options

Students must choose at least 45 credits from the listed subject courses. Current options include:

• 145318 Geopolitics – 15 credits
• 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society – 15 credits
• 200215 Interrogating Foundations of Political Thought – 15 credits
• 200261 World Affairs in Crisis – 15 credits
• 200262 Political Power in Aotearoa New Zealand – 15 credits
• 200300 Peace Studies – 15 credits
• 200301 Contemporary International Conflict – 15 credits
• 200303 Global Democratic Politics – 15 credits
• 200315 Contemporary Political Thought – 15 credits
• 200361 Aotearoa Now: Issues in New Zealand Politics – 15 credits
• 230302 Practicing Fieldwork: Doing Qualitative Research – 15 credits
• 294381 Terrorism and Transnational Crime – 15 credits 

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 5 undergraduate diploma.
• 120-credit qualification that can normally be completed in one year full-time.
• Politics and International Relations is an established Diploma in Arts endorsement.
• Study can cover both New Zealand politics and international affairs.
• Course choices include geopolitics, political theory, democracy, international conflict, peace studies and terrorism/transnational crime.
• Available through Auckland, Manawat? and distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Diploma courses can transfer into Massey's Bachelor of Arts if the student subsequently progresses to the degree.
• Massey describes its Arts study as providing flexibility across humanities and social-science disciplines

Career Outcomes

Massey states that Politics can lead to careers including:

• Business
• Diplomacy
• Finance
• Journalism
• Policy analysis
• Public service

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current Massey programme page confirms:

• NZQF Level 5 classification.
• 120-credit structure.
• Auckland, Manawata and distance/online delivery.
• International students can study either on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• No additional programme-specific academic entry requirements beyond university admission requirements.
• Current course selection includes the Politics and International Relations courses listed above.
• Course availability can change between years and campuses.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying this programme in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Key current Immigration New Zealand conditions include:

• The application is submitted online.
• Students should apply at least three months before intended travel.
• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider is required.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition or an acceptable scholarship arrangement.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient living funds.
• For tertiary study of one year or more, the current living-funds requirement is NZD 20,000 per year.
• Appropriate insurance is required.
• Applicants must satisfy health and character requirements.
• Immigration New Zealand assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to study.
• Students must be able to demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• Students must attend their approved course and make satisfactory academic progress.