Why Study/Key Benefits

The Without Specialisation – Master of International Security (MIntlSy) is a multidisciplinary Level 9 master's qualification covering international security through strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies, political and human geography and related fields. Massey describes the programme as developing knowledge of the principles, theory and practice of international security, together with analytical and communication skills relevant to security contexts.

Key benefits include:

• Flexible study without having to complete a named specialisation.
• Exposure to both traditional and non-traditional international security issues.
• Study of security from strategic, political, intelligence and regional perspectives.
• Development of analytical and research skills.
• An applied 60-credit research project based on international security.
• Opportunity to build an individual area of interest through course selection and independent research.
• Online/distance delivery, which is particularly relevant for international students who want to remain outside New Zealand while studying.
• Potential advanced entry and credit recognition for students who already hold Massey's Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, subject to the regulations.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Without Specialisation pathway is a 180-credit, parts-based qualification.

Part One – 120 credits

Compulsory course:

• 294720 International Security – 30 credits

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

Students then select 90 credits from the approved subject-course schedule. Current courses include:

• 294701 New Zealand National Security – 30 credits
• 294709 Terrorism – 30 credits
• 294713 Counter-Terrorism – 30 credits
• 294715 Asia-Pacific Security Environment – 30 credits
• 294741 Intelligence in the International Security Environment – 30 credits
• 294744 Intelligence Operations – 30 credits

The current programme page also identifies 294710 Intelligence-led Policing as an elective course in the broader qualification structure.

The subject areas cover themes such as:

• international and national security
• terrorism and violent extremism
• counter-terrorism policy and operations
• intelligence gathering and analysis
• intelligence operations
• policing and security intelligence
• Asia-Pacific strategic and defence policy
• geopolitical and regional security issues.

Part Two – 60 credits

Students complete:

• 294820 Applied Security Research Project – 60 credits

The research project is intended to address an international-security topic relevant to, and building on, the student's professional experience. It requires 294720 International Security as a prerequisite.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The requested programme is Without Specialisation.

Massey's Master of International Security can be completed either without a subject or with a named subject. The current qualification structure includes:

• Without Specialisation
• Counter-Terrorism
• Intelligence

Programme Highlights

The programme provides:

• NZQF Level 9 master's-level study.
• 180-credit structure.
• Multidisciplinary approach to international security.
• Study across strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies and human geography.
• Flexible Without Specialisation pathway.
• Core study in International Security.
• Choice of security-related subject courses.
• A substantial 60-credit applied research project.
• Online and distance delivery.
• Opportunity for international students to study from outside New Zealand.
• Potential credit recognition for students progressing from Massey's Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in International Security.
• A minimum B- average requirement for progression from Part One to Part Two.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of career areas associated with the Master of International Security, including:

• regional politics analysis
• conflict resolution
• customs
• policing
• defence forces
• peacekeeping
• policy analysis
• truce monitoring
• management
• planning
• politics
• risk management.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current programme information indicates:

• The qualification is currently offered as a 180-credit Level 9 master's degree.
• The current delivery location is Distance and online.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• The qualification can be completed without a named specialisation.
• Progression to Part Two requires at least a B- average across the first 90 credits.
• The current compulsory core course is 294720 International Security.
• The current Part Two research course is 294820 Applied Security Research Project.
• Students entering through a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma may be eligible for credit towards Part One, subject to Recognition of Prior Learning rules.
• Verified academic transcripts are required for previous university study outside Massey.
• A CV is required where admission is being sought on the basis of scholarly work and extensive relevant professional experience. 

International Student Visa Requirements

The current programme is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand. Therefore, an international student who completes the qualification entirely from outside New Zealand does not normally need a New Zealand student visa simply to undertake the offshore online study.

If a student intends to study physically in New Zealand, the relevant visa requirements should be confirmed with Immigration New Zealand before travel.

For a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must generally:

• have an offer of place from an approved education provider;
• have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or hold an appropriate scholarship;
• have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor;
• meet health and character requirements;
• have acceptable medical and travel insurance;
• demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand;
• demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.