Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies provides an interdisciplinary understanding of local and global security issues, including traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
• Massey describes this as New Zealand’s only specialist education in security studies.
• Key areas include biosecurity, conflict resolution, cyber-crime, terrorism, border security, intelligence, defence and security strategy.
• The programme develops transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, problem-solving and understanding complex security environments.
• Students may have the opportunity to undertake an internship with government agencies such as New Zealand Customs or the New Zealand Police.
• The qualification has been designed with input from an advisory board comprising senior New Zealand defence and security officials.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The BA combines the Security Studies major with Massey's broader BA curriculum.

The Security Studies major includes the following current course options:

• 294180 Introduction to Security Studies – compulsory
• 294101 Introduction to Biosecurity
• 294170 Introduction to Border Security
• 294201 States, Borders and Resource Security
• 294215 Global Defence and Security Challenges
• 294272 Intelligence in the Security Environment
• 175304 The Psychology of Security
• 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

The programme uses specified credit-selection requirements rather than requiring every listed course. For example, 294180 is compulsory; students choose within specified limits from the other Security Studies courses.

Examples of subject areas covered include:

• Security theory and concepts
• Traditional and non-traditional security
• Biosecurity
• Border security
• Resource security
• Global defence
• Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Emerging technologies
• Terrorism and transnational crime
• Security and warfare
• Psychology of security
• Security intelligence
• Climate-related security challenges

Disciplines/Specialisations

Primary specialisation:

• Security Studies

The Security Studies major can also be combined with a minor. Massey states that a BA Security Studies student may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science, subject to the applicable regulations.

Programme Highlights

• New Zealand's only specialist education in security studies, according to Massey.
• Interdisciplinary approach combining security with social sciences and related areas.
• Study of both traditional and emerging security challenges.
• Coverage of cyber security, intelligence, border security, biosecurity and terrorism.
• Development of transferable critical-thinking and analytical skills.
• Potential internship opportunities involving agencies such as Customs and New Zealand Police.
• Flexible BA structure allowing a Security Studies major alongside another major, minor or electives.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies potential career areas including:

• Government agencies
• Non-government organisations
• Commercial companies
• Security
• Business
• Foreign affairs
• Trade
• Law
• Intelligence
• Border protection
• Law enforcement

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Massey programme page identifies Security Studies as a Distance and online specialisation.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• There are no programme-specific admission requirements beyond Massey's general university admission requirements.
• Not all courses are available in every year, so students should check the current course availability and sequencing before enrolment.
• A student who already holds a bachelor's degree may be able to replace either 230111 T? Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 T? Arohae: Critical Thinking with another course, subject to Massey's special-permission process and submission of evidence of the completed degree.

International Student Visa Requirements

There is an important distinction for this programme.

The Security Studies BA is currently listed as Distance and online, and Massey explicitly states that it is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Therefore:

• If an international student remains outside New Zealand and studies the programme online, a New Zealand student visa is generally not required for the online study itself.
• If the student's intention is to physically enter New Zealand to study, the student should not assume that this distance-only programme provides the basis for a New Zealand student visa. The student's proposed study arrangement and eligibility should be confirmed directly with Massey and Immigration New Zealand before travel.