Overview

The Master of International Security from Massey University is a multidisciplinary programme. It draws on strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies, political and human geography and complementary fields of study.

Key facts

If you want to develop skills in security management, this is the programme for you. Security management is an increasingly important dimension of government and public policy. It has direct benefit to economic security and social wellbeing, so your skills will be in demand.

You will learn the principles, theory and practice of international security. You’ll gain understanding of interagency perspectives. You’ll also develop analytical and communications skills appropriate to the security context.

You will carry out independent research in a security context. This will enable you to develop your own area of specialisation. You will also benefit from our close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector.

Questions that you will consider on this programme include:

What geopolitical forces shape the international security environment?
What are the historical, geographical and political dynamics that have shaped New Zealand's strategic environment?
What are the causes, key protagonists and consequences of differing types of political violence?
What are the challenges to intervention, peace and stabilisation operations?
Does state building work?

What are the new emerging threats to international security?

Career

With the Master of International Security, you can expect to advance your career in the security sector in government and non-government agencies, and contribute to international security operations.

This programme will prepare you for a role in:

analysing regional politics
border security
conflict resolution
customs work
police work
defence forces
peacekeeping
policy analysis
truce monitoring
management
planning
politics
risk management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Security; Concepts and Structures

New Zealand National Security

Asia-Pacific Security Environment

Research Methods in Defence and Security Studies

Applied Security Research Project

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

International Relations Terrorism & Security View 5 other Masters in Terrorism & Security in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

a relevant bachelor's degree with a grade average of at least B-, or
a completed Postgraduate Certificate in International Security, with at least a B- grade average, or
a completed Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, with at least a B- Grade average

be able to demonstrate scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience and standing in leadership, managerial and planning positions in government or non-government security agencies appropriate for admission with equivalent status.

You must also provide the following documents:

a copy of your current curriculum vitae (unless you have completed a postgraduate qualification in international security)
verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38840 NZD / year

≈ 38840 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8066 NZD / year

≈ 8066 NZD / year

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Security.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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