- Where you can study
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Distance and online
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Specialise in Defence Studies for your Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Diploma in Arts (Defence Studies) is a unique qualification that combines the study of modern defence studies and military history with broad and transferable critical-thinking skills.
Unique in New Zealand
You’ll examine the contemporary world of modern defence. This includes its impact on media, technology and conflict resolution at both local and global levels. Massey is the only university in New Zealand where you can study defence studies and military history at undergraduate level.
Learn from the best
You’ll be taught by staff with academic knowledge of defence studies and/or military, defence and security experience. The programme is designed in collaboration with an advisory board of New Zealand’s top defence and security officials. Our programme partners are government agencies that contribute to national, regional and global security, as well as peace and humanitarian aid initiatives.
You choose what to study
You can choose from a mix of military history, strategy, tactics, intelligence, command and technology courses. Defence Studies is not just for people employed in the military, it is for anyone with an interest in the various aspects of defence, for example, command, logistics, tactics, policy, or strategy.
A Diploma in Arts in Defence Studies is a good fit if you:
- wonder why wars start
- want to understand why war seems to be an unavoidable part of human existence
- want a career that contributes to world peace and stability.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in one year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.
If you later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in your Diploma of Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.
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
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 Diploma in Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Defence Studies courses
Subject courses
Course code: 200301 Contemporary International Conflict 15 credits
An examination of contemporary international conflict drawing on case studies from around the world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294115 War and Society 15 credits
An examination of the nature of war and its impact on society. The course explains how contemporary armed conflict and the use of force affects the world order, people and their communities, human behaviour, culture, and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294151 History of Warfare 15 credits
An introduction to the history of warfare on land, at sea, and in the air. The course examines how armed forces and the conduct of war have evolved in response to broad military, societal, political, and technological change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294215 Global Defence and Security Challenges 15 credits
An examination of emerging and re-emerging defence and security challenges within the global environment, from strategic competition and conflict, to threats posed by emerging technologies, to the security implications of climate change. The increasingly interconnected nature of these challenges will be a central focus of the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294310 The Future of Security and Warfare 15 credits
This course provides an exploration of the key global trends that are shaping the future of security and warfare and examines how these trends interact to impact at the individual, societal, state, and international level.
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 detailsEntry requirements
Entry 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 this qualification, 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 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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415
- International students: $34,220
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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 Inland Revenue 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
Careers and job opportunities
With a Diploma in Arts (Defence Studies) you’ll graduate in high demand.
There’s an increasing need for defence professionals, both military and civilian. Employers are looking for people with the intelligence, initiative and determination to work in a wide range of complex defence environments. These roles are integral to the safety of New Zealand, and the demand for qualified people who can fill these is exceptionally strong.
Our graduates are employed in a broad range of areas such as border control, law, policing, management, defence, immigration, intelligence, foreign affairs and trade, business, and international relations.
Defence studies is a great choice for a career in:
- civil defence and disaster relief
- diplomacy and conflict resolution
- peacekeeping and truce monitoring
- policy analysis
- education
- journalism and the media
- management and planning
- politics.
This diploma also offers early- to mid-career professional development in public and private organisations where security is important.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Defence Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Defence Studies), you can study defence without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Defence and Security Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Defence and Security Studies) you can take your undergraduate study of defence and security further.
Defence and Security Studies – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Defence and Security Studies) will build upon your undergraduate interests and develop your research and critical analysis skills.
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.
History – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (History), you can study history without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
History – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (History), you can take your undergraduate study of history further.
History – Bachelor of Arts
Get a new appreciation for the world around you by studying Massey's Bachelor of Arts (History).
History – Diploma in Arts
To learn about history is to learn about change in the world and in ourselves. Having a better understanding of history will make you more broad-minded as a person and citizen.
History – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Take your study of history to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History). Enhance your research skills through an investigation of a time or theme in history that interests you.
History – Master of Arts
With Massey’s Master of Arts (History) you can build on your undergraduate study and follow your passion for history. Complete advanced research of an aspect of history that interests you.
History – Graduate Diploma in Arts
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (History) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in history without having to complete a second bachelor’s degree.
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