Defence and Security Studies – Master of Arts

Join Massey’s Master of Arts (Defence and Security Studies) to build an advanced understanding of security and defence. You will carry out research in an area of your choice.

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand

Specialise in Defence and Security Studies for your Master of Arts at Massey

The Master of Arts (Defence and Security Studies) will give you advanced knowledge of historical and contemporary defence and security theory and practice.

You’ll develop an enhanced and nuanced understanding of national, regional and international defence and security issues in a joint, interagency and multinational context. You’ll then be able to apply your knowledge and innovative thinking in a practical context as a leader in the defence and security sectors.

Complete your MA in three semesters 

Massey’s Master of Arts is 180 credits. This means you can complete an MA in three semesters of full-time study. If you study part-time, an MA will normally take three years to complete.

A Master of Arts in Defence and Security Studies is a good fit if you:

  • have an undergraduate degree in defence and security studies or equivalent
  • wish to participate in the debate about defence and security
  • want to investigate an aspect of defence and security studies for your research report or thesis.

Planning information

The Master of Arts is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

Not all courses are available in each semester.

Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two.

  • For the coursework pathway a minimum B grade average is required.
  • For the research pathway a minimum B+ grade average is required.

If you enrol in a thesis, you commence with Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 1, followed by Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 in the next enrolment period. Both parts combine to meet the thesis requirements with a single grade assigned to each part.

If the thesis cannot be submitted at the end of the initial Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 enrolment, you must re-enrol in Thesis (90 or 120 credits) Part 2 and pay fees each semester until submission is made.

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.

Part One: Coursework Pathway (120 credits) or Research Pathway (Between 60 and 90 credits)

Compulsory course

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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Subject courses

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.

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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: 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: 294711 Theories in Defence and Security 30 credits

Advanced theoretical thinking in Defence & Security Studies drawing from International Relations, Conceptualisations of Power, Ancient and Modern Conceptualisations of War, and Human Security, Ethics and Identity. Students will select and apply one of the theory sets to a case study in order to develop the analytical skills for advanced research in the field of defence and security.

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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: 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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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

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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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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.

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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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Course code: 294798 Research Report (30) 30 credits

Part Two: Coursework Pathway

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 294873 Research Report Defence and Security Studies (60) 60 credits

Part Two: Research Pathway

Choose between 90 and 120 credits from
Course code: 294881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Course code: 294882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 294881

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Course code: 294883 Thesis 90 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Course code: 294891 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Course code: 294892 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 294891

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Course code: 294894 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Course code: 294895 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 294894

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Course code: 294899 Thesis 120 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Arts (Defence and Security Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for:

  • a Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, with at least a B grade average across the 200/300 level major courses

  • a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a subject in the intended postgraduate subject or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts with an endorsement in the intended postgraduate subject, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B+ grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Research Pathway or a B grade average across the 700-level courses for entry to the Coursework Pathway.

If you have a BA (Hons) or PGDipArts from Massey University in the intended Master of Arts subject as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

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.

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.

Fees 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.

Careers and job opportunities

Your Master of Arts (Defence and Security Studies) will give you a broad knowledge, skills and experience to pursue a successful career in defence and security in New Zealand or internationally. Defence and security studies are a great choice for a career in:

  • civil defence
  • diplomacy and conflict resolution
  • disaster relief
  • peacekeeping
  • policy analysis
  • truce monitoring
  • education
  • journalism and the media
  • management
  • planning
  • politics.

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