Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Defence for your Master of International Security at Massey
When you graduate from the Master of International Security (Defence) you will have:
- knowledge of processes and practices in defence and security contexts
- experience in the application of problem-solving frameworks appropriate to defence and security
- capability for critically reflective professional practice in the planning, implementation and evaluation of security events in a multi-agency environment.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of International Security (Defence) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
You must achieve a minimum B- grade average in the first 90 credits of courses taken in order to progress to Part Two.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Master of International Security
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of International Security core courses
Defence courses
Course code: 294704 Command, Leadership and Management 30 credits
An advanced study of the interrelated components of command, leadership and management with an emphasis on how these are applied in the contemporary security environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294714 Applied Security Planning Exercise 30 credits
An applied professional practice course that seeks to apply the NZ whole of government problem solving framework to develop potential solutions to evolving security challenges.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of International Security (Defence) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- 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,
or you will:
- 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.
If you have a Postgraduate Certificate in International Security or Postgraduate Diploma in International Security as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
If you are applying on the basis of scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience you must also provide a copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV).
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz