Overview

The Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the University of Auckland provides an advanced academic platform to analyse the complex causes, dynamics, and consequences of global political violence. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to help students make sense of modern conflict while contributing to the development of safer, more secure communities worldwide.

Students engage with critical contemporary issues, including the study of conventional warfare, ethnic and religious tensions, and the rising threats of cybercrime and radicalisation. The curriculum is delivered by expert researchers who bring significant field experience from prestigious international institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations.

Why Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the University of Auckland?

Choosing this programme allows students to benefit from a curriculum that bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical global application. The university provides access to high-level academic expertise, ensuring that learners are exposed to the latest developments in international security and peacebuilding efforts.

The programme offers multiple pathways, including both taught and research-focused options, to suit different professional goals. Whether pursuing a 120-point or 180-point structure, students are supported by a faculty known for its strong links to international policy-making bodies and global humanitarian organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 44970 per year
• National fee: NZD 10454 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core themes of conflict resolution, the ethics of modern warfare, and empirical research methods. Modules may include:

• Ethnic Conflict and Civil War
• From Dresden to Drones: The Ethics of War
• Research Design in Empirical Political Inquiry
• Dissertation
• Thesis

Careers with Conflict and Terrorism Studies

Graduates are equipped with the specialist knowledge required for high-impact roles in government agencies, security sectors, and international policy-making bodies. The skills developed during the programme are highly valued by non-governmental organisations and corporate entities operating in volatile international environments.

Potential career paths for graduates include:

• Conflict analyst
• Counterterrorism analyst
• Development consultant
• Disaster management specialist
• Humanitarian worker
• Intelligence analyst
• Peace and reconciliation advisor
• Policy advisor

The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research, such as a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on international relations, security studies, or political science.