Why Study/Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Security (PGDipIntlSy) is a postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical analytical skills in international and national security. Massey highlights security management as an increasingly important area of government and public policy, with connections to economic security and social wellbeing.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced knowledge of contemporary international security theory and practice.
• Understanding of interagency perspectives in the security sector.
• Development of analytical and communication skills relevant to security environments.
• Opportunities to focus on counter-terrorism or intelligence.
• Exposure to security-sector perspectives and Massey’s relationships with partner agencies.
• A pathway to the Master of International Security after successful completion.
• Distance and online delivery makes the qualification accessible to international students studying outside New Zealand.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme contains 120 credits.

The compulsory course is:

• 294720 International Security – 30 credits

This course examines international security through foundational concepts, institutional frameworks and emerging global challenges. It covers traditional and non-traditional security threats, state and non-state actors, international organisations and geopolitical changes affecting global security.

Students then choose either an endorsement or the no-specialisation route.

Current schedule courses 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.

The wider 2026 Defence and Security Studies schedule also includes courses such as:

• 294101 Introduction to Biosecurity
• 294115 War and Society
• 294151 History of Warfare
• 294170 Introduction to Border Security
• 294180 Introduction to Security Studies
• 294201 States, Borders and Resource Security
• 294215 Global Defence and Security Challenges
• 294272 Intelligence in the Security Environment
• 294304 Cyber Security and Emerging Technologies
• 294310 The Future of Security and Warfare
• 294350 The History of Defence and Security Intelligence
• 294381 Terrorism and Transnational Crime
• 294382 Advanced Biosecurity
• 294709 Terrorism
• 294713 Counter-Terrorism
• 294712 Economic and Environmental Security
• 294716 Securing Mobility in an Uncertain World
• 294741 Intelligence in the International Security Environment
• 294744 Intelligence Operations.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Massey currently allows three main options within the qualification:

1. Counter-Terrorism
2. Intelligence
3. Without Specialisation

The Counter-Terrorism endorsement requires 60 credits from the relevant endorsement courses. Current courses include:

• 294709 Terrorism – 30 credits
• 294713 Counter-Terrorism – 30 credits.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 120 credits.
• One year full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Optional specialisations in Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence.
• Flexible no-specialisation option.
• Core study of international security theory, institutions and emerging security challenges.
• Options covering New Zealand national security and the Asia-Pacific security environment.
• Intelligence-led policing and social-science research can be included within the programme structure.
• Potential progression to the Master of International Security.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies the following potential career fields and roles:

• 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 2026 information confirms several important points:

• The qualification remains a 120-credit NZQF Level 8 postgraduate diploma.
• It is available full-time or part-time.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence are current endorsement options.
• The no-specialisation route is also available.
• The compulsory course is now 294720 International Security.
• Current schedule options include New Zealand National Security, Intelligence-led Policing, Asia-Pacific Security Environment and Social Science Research Design and Practice. 

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Attendance and satisfactory academic progress while studying.