Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Security Studies for your Bachelor of Arts at Massey
Our world provides numerous complex and multifaceted challenges to security. These include:
- traditional interstate conflict
- the threat of the spread of nuclear weapons
- disputes linked to religious differences
- control and exploitation of scarce resources
- the impact of globalisation and environmental change.
Management of threats to security is an important dimension of government and public policy. If you are interested in local and global security issues, Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Security Studies) will give you knowledge in this area.
You can take security studies as a major to develop a specialisation, or a minor to complement other subject choices. It’s a flexible degree that will equip you for a number of careers.
Unique in New Zealand
Massey offers New Zealand’s only specialist education in security studies. It examines security challenges such as:
- biosecurity
- conflict resolution
- cyber-crime at community and government levels.
You’ll develop broad and transferable critical thinking skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to do an internship with government agencies such as Customs or the New Zealand Police.
Learn from the best
Our lecturers have professional and academic experience. Our courses are:
- nationally and internationally respected
- scholarly and career-focussed
- well-connected with potential employers.
The qualification is designed in collaboration with an advisory board of New Zealand’s top defence and security officials.
You choose what to study
The security studies qualification is highly interdisciplinary. Your education will draw on the academic knowledge and professional experience of staff from across the University.
A Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies is a good fit if you:
- want to help keep New Zealand safe
- want to make a difference in your community
- can look for solutions in tough situations.
Planning information
If you study full time, in the first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
You need to pass five courses at 300-level for your BA. One of these (230310) is in the compulsory core and three are required for your major. If you are not taking a double major or a minor, you will need to take one 300-level elective course to meet this requirement.
About this major
A Security Studies major consists of 120 credits (eight courses).
The major in Security Studies is not just for people employed in the military, it is for anyone with an interest in the various aspects of security, for example, security issues, strategy, terrorism and the law to name just a few areas of study.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
A Bachelor of Arts (Security Studies) with a minor
You may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.
A security studies minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying towards a BA (Security Studies) and wish to complete a minor in security studies see the BA regulations for requirements.
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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 be 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 Bachelor of Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Security Studies courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 294180 Introduction to Security Studies 15 credits
An introduction to contemporary security studies focusing on traditional and non-traditional security challenges and the ways in which security is understood and conceptualized in security studies discourse.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 294101 Introduction to Biosecurity 15 credits
This course exposes students to a range of contemporary biosecurity issues and practices and incorporates a preliminary understanding of conceptual approaches to the management of pest and diseases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294170 Introduction to Border Security 15 credits
An introduction to the concept of border security. It will explore security challenges and the implications of these to border security both internationally and for New Zealand. It will also look at the various border security agencies and their responses to managing border security risks with a focus on interagency collaboration, risk management and the impact of policy.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294201 States, Borders and Resource Security 15 credits
This course examines the dynamics of states seeking to secure resources for their own requirements, alongside the need to sustain and protect global resources such as oceans and the poles.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294202 Human Security 15 credits
This course explores the theory and practice of security from multiple perspectives including individual, community, social, economic and environmental.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294272 Intelligence in the Security Environment 15 credits
This course provides a critical examination of intelligence focusing on the security environment. It looks at contemporary global and New Zealand-specific security risks, the intelligence cycle, and intelligence models that collect and analyse information to produce intelligence products that inform decision making.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294280 Security and Diplomacy 15 credits
This course examines the nexus of security and diplomacy and the related theoretical and explanatory approaches with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175304 The Psychology of Security 15 credits
An exploration of how psychology can be utilised to improve our understanding of, and responses to, the various security challenges posed by the contemporary environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294304 Cyber and Information Security 15 credits
This course examines the threats posed by Cyber Crime, Cyber Terrorism, Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Infrastructure and Cyber Warfare to individuals, organisations and government agencies. Studies include the origins of threats, the evolution of technologies, the role of the state in offensive and defensive applications, and ethical considerations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294350 The History of Defence and Security Intelligence 15 credits
A study of defence and security intelligence from ancient times through to today, with emphasis on the evolution of intelligence organisations and activities, the impact of technological advances, and the wider political, social and ethical issues surrounding its practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294381 Terrorism and Political Violence 15 credits
This course critically explores the concept of `Terrorism’ and related forms of political conflict and violence. New Zealand’s understanding and responses to the phenomena labelled as `terrorism’ will be a key aspect of the course. The course will also address such substantive issues as the how non-state actors engaged in political conflict and violence fund their activities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294382 Advanced Biosecurity 15 credits
This course provides an advanced exploration of biosecurity from a social science perspective and exposes students to a range of contemporary biosecurity issues and their management.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Security Studies), outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
If you have already completed a bachelor degree
If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
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.
Careers and job opportunities
With a Bachelor of Arts (Security Studies) you’ll graduate in high demand.
By learning how people, property and information are protected, you can prepare for a career that’s challenging, rewarding and will help make the world a safer place. Knowledge of security can be applied to a range of professions and vocations such as:
- government or non-government agencies
- commercial companies
- security
- business
- foreign affairs
- trade, law
- intelligence
- border protection
- law enforcement.
Plan your courses
View your course options and plan your study using our course planner.
Related study options
Border and Biosecurity – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
Gain government-ready skills for a career in border management or biosecurity.
Border and Biosecurity – Master of International Security
Gain government-ready skills for a career in border management or biosecurity.
Certificate in Border and Biosecurity – CertBBiosec
Massey University’s Certificate in Border and Biosecurity will give you a credible and contemporary qualification to enhance your career prospects in border, biosecurity, or primary industries.
Counter-Terrorism – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
Gain an understanding of the theories, concepts, and typologies of terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation.
Counter-Terrorism – Master of International Security
Gain in-demand skills with Massey’s Master of International Security (Counter-Terrorism). Understand the theories, concepts, and typologies of terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation.
Defence – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
Gain knowledge of command, leadership and management theories, processes and practices in defence and security contexts.
Defence – Master of International Security
Gain in-demand knowledge of command, leadership, and management theories with Massey’s Master of International Security (Defence).
Diploma in Border and Biosecurity – DipBBiosec
Massey University’s Diploma in Border and Biosecurity will give you a credible and contemporary qualification to enhance your career prospects in border, biosecurity, or primary industries.
Master of International Development – MIntDev
Help solve the world’s development problems. Our postgraduate students come from a wide range of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, and our programme is enriched by this diversity.
Politics and International Relations – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Politics and International Relations), you can study politics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Politics and International Relations – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Politics and International Relations) you can take your study of politics further.
Politics and International Relations – Bachelor of Arts
Want to know how and why decisions that affect society are made? Become equipped with the concepts, theories, and facts you need to make sense of the world around you.
Politics and International Relations – Diploma in Arts
Politics and International Relations – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Take your study of politics to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Politics and International Relations). Build on your undergraduate interests and develop your analysis and research skills.
Politics and International Relations – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (Politics and International Relations), you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for politics. Complete advanced research of an aspect of politics that interests you.
Politics and International Relations – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Be informed about how decisions are made in society. This Graduate Diploma in Arts will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in politics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate Certificate in International Development – PGCertIntDev
Massey's Postgraduate Certificate in International Development will broaden your knowledge of the world’s key development issues to shape a positive future for those in need.
Security Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Security Studies) will prepare you for roles that are integral to the safety of New Zealand and the globe.
Security Studies – Diploma in Arts
Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) will give you a powerful combination of critical thinking skills and knowledge of global security issues.
Security Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Gain knowledge about local and global security issues. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in security studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz