Regulations for The Master of International Security - MIntlSy

Official rules and regulations for the Master of International Security. These regulations are for the 2025 intake to this qualification.

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Qualification Regulations

Part I

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Part II

Admission

1. Admission to the Master of International Security requires that the candidate shall meet the University admission requirements as specified, and shall have:

(a) completed a relevant Bachelor's degree with a grade average of at least B-; or

(b) been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Certificate in International Security, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B- grade average; or

(c) been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B- grade average; or

(d) demonstrated 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.

Qualification requirements

2. Candidates for the Master of International Security shall follow a parts-based course of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits from the Schedule to the Degree, comprising:

(a) Parts One and Two as specified in the Schedule to the Degree;

and including:

(b) any compulsory core courses listed in Schedule to the Degree;

(c) attending, as required, contact courses, block courses, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories.

3. Notwithstanding Regulation 2, candidates admitted under Regulation 1 (b) or (c) may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.

Specialisations

4. The Degree of Master of International Security may be awarded with or without a subject.

5. Candidates may complete a subject by passing at least 120 credits in a subject including a research project of 60 credits in that subject. The requirements for each subject are set out in Part II of the Schedule for the Degree.

6. Subjects available in the Master of International Security are: Defence, Border and Biosecurity, Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism.

Student progression

7. For progression to Part Two in the Master of International Security candidates must have achieved a grade average of B- in the first 90 credits of courses completed in Part One.

8. In cases of sufficient merit, the Degree of Master of International Security may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.

Completion requirements

9. The timeframes for completion are as outlined in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

10. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for progression from Part One to Part Two, or who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in International Security or the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

11. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.

Transitional provisions

12. Subject to the Maximum Time to Completion and Abandonment of Study provisions specified in the Part I regulations to the degree, candidates who commenced study towards the Terrorism subject prior to 01 January 2021 may elect to be awarded this specialisation title rather than the title ‘Counter-Terrorism’ on completion of the subject. These transition arrangements expire 31 December 2025.

13. Subject to the Maximum Time to Completion and Abandonment of Study provisions specified in the Part I regulations to the degree, candidates who commenced study towards the Defence Studies subject prior to 01 January 2021 may elect to be awarded this specialisation title rather than the title ‘Defence’ on completion of the subject. These transition arrangements expire 31 December 2025.

14. Subject to the Maximum Time to Completion and Abandonment of Study provisions specified in the Part I regulations to the degree, candidates who commenced study towards the Border and Biosecurity subject prior to 01 January 2022 may substitute 294770 (if already completed) for 294716. These transition arrangements expire 31 December 2026.

Schedule for the Master of International Security

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.
Key terms for course planning
Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Part One (Choose 120 credits from)

Compulsory course

Course code: 294720 Security Concepts and Structures 30 credits

This course develops core conceptual and structural understandings of the study of security. It outlines the philosophical frameworks underpinning the international security environment with particular attention given to foundational challenges in defence, terrorism, intelligence, regional security and border and biosecurity. Exploring these challenges provides a basis for examining a diverse range of international security factors, and evaluating the major ethical implications of security issues and responses.

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Subjects (Choose 60 credits from)

Border and Biosecurity (60 credits)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294712 Economic and Environmental Security 30 credits

This course offers an in-depth exploration and critical examination of contemporary environmental and economic security issues using theoretical analyses of case studies to propose alternative options for negotiating and/or governing wide ranging complex security issues.

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Course code: 294716 Securing Mobility in an Uncertain World 30 credits

This course is an advanced study of the dynamics of mobility and security in a globalised world. Mobility is central to the movement of goods, people, bio-organisms and ideas around the globe. The course will equip students with methodological tools to deconstruct the dynamics of mobility and construct solutions.

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Counter-Terrorism (60 credits)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294709 Terrorism 30 credits

This course is an advanced study of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. It critically examines the various theories, concepts and typologies of these phenomena, as well as response options and the challenges they pose in the contemporary international security environment.

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Course code: 294713 Counter-Terrorism 30 credits

The course provides an overview of international Counter-Terrorism policy, strategy and operations as context for considering the challenges around implementing Counter-Terrorism operations and policy analysis in the New Zealand.

Restrictions: 149740

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Defence (60 credits)

Choose 60 credits from
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.

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Course 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.

Restrictions: 149821

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Intelligence (60 credits)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294741 Intelligence in the International Security Environment 30 credits

An analysis of intelligence in the international security environment, focusing on key concepts and methodologies of intelligence gathering and analysis, the intelligence cycle, and analysis of applied intelligence in investigations and detection.

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Course code: 294744 Intelligence Operations 30 credits

This course provides a critical analysis of security intelligence operations, utilising research and observations from selected case studies to understand the changing nature of intelligence and critically appraise the role of intelligence in national and international security operations.

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Without Specialisation (180 credits)

Part One

Compulsory Course
Course code: 294720 Security Concepts and Structures 30 credits

This course develops core conceptual and structural understandings of the study of security. It outlines the philosophical frameworks underpinning the international security environment with particular attention given to foundational challenges in defence, terrorism, intelligence, regional security and border and biosecurity. Exploring these challenges provides a basis for examining a diverse range of international security factors, and evaluating the major ethical implications of security issues and responses.

View full course details
Subject courses
Choose 90 credits from
Course code: 294701 New Zealand National Security 30 credits

A study of security theory and the domestic and international factors affecting New Zealand's strategic environment.

View full course details
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 details
Course code: 294709 Terrorism 30 credits

This course is an advanced study of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. It critically examines the various theories, concepts and typologies of these phenomena, as well as response options and the challenges they pose in the contemporary international security environment.

View full course details
Course code: 294712 Economic and Environmental Security 30 credits

This course offers an in-depth exploration and critical examination of contemporary environmental and economic security issues using theoretical analyses of case studies to propose alternative options for negotiating and/or governing wide ranging complex security issues.

View full course details
Course code: 294713 Counter-Terrorism 30 credits

The course provides an overview of international Counter-Terrorism policy, strategy and operations as context for considering the challenges around implementing Counter-Terrorism operations and policy analysis in the New Zealand.

Restrictions: 149740

View full course details
Course 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.

Restrictions: 149821

View full course details
Course code: 294715 Asia-Pacific Security Environment 30 credits

An advanced study of security theory and domestic and international factors affecting the Asia-Pacific security environment with emphasis given to strategic, national security and defence policy in the region

View full course details
Course code: 294716 Securing Mobility in an Uncertain World 30 credits

This course is an advanced study of the dynamics of mobility and security in a globalised world. Mobility is central to the movement of goods, people, bio-organisms and ideas around the globe. The course will equip students with methodological tools to deconstruct the dynamics of mobility and construct solutions.

View full course details
Course code: 294717 Human Security in Application 30 credits

This course examines critical analysis and application of human security in national and international contexts. This would allow the participants to understand and engage in a wide range of theoretical studies and practical projects on human security.

View full course details
Course code: 294741 Intelligence in the International Security Environment 30 credits

An analysis of intelligence in the international security environment, focusing on key concepts and methodologies of intelligence gathering and analysis, the intelligence cycle, and analysis of applied intelligence in investigations and detection.

View full course details
Course code: 294744 Intelligence Operations 30 credits

This course provides a critical analysis of security intelligence operations, utilising research and observations from selected case studies to understand the changing nature of intelligence and critically appraise the role of intelligence in national and international security operations.

View full course details
Part Two
Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294820 Applied Security Research Project 60 credits

Students undertake a research project that is relevant to and builds on their professional experience in international security.

Prerequisites: 294720

View full course details

Elective courses (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 176702 Advanced Social Inquiry 30 credits

An advanced study of methodological issues pertinent to social research. The course is designed to assist the planning of postgraduate theses and reports.

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Course code: 294701 New Zealand National Security 30 credits

A study of security theory and the domestic and international factors affecting New Zealand's strategic environment.

View full course details
Course code: 294715 Asia-Pacific Security Environment 30 credits

An advanced study of security theory and domestic and international factors affecting the Asia-Pacific security environment with emphasis given to strategic, national security and defence policy in the region

View full course details
Course code: 294717 Human Security in Application 30 credits

This course examines critical analysis and application of human security in national and international contexts. This would allow the participants to understand and engage in a wide range of theoretical studies and practical projects on human security.

View full course details

Part Two (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294820 Applied Security Research Project 60 credits

Students undertake a research project that is relevant to and builds on their professional experience in international security.

Prerequisites: 294720

View full course details

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