Where you can study
International students
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Specialise in Security Studies for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in security studies.
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.
Get prepared for a career in security
Management of threats to security is an important dimension of government and public policy. If you‘re interested in local and global security issues, Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) will give you knowledge in this area.
Security studies is a fast-growing field, and entry-level positions increasingly require a qualification. This graduate diploma will prepare you for roles that are integral to the safety of New Zealand and the globe.
Unique in New Zealand
Massey offers New Zealand’s only specialist education in security studies. It examines security challenges such as biosecurity and conflict resolution, as well as cyber-crime at community and government levels. You’ll develop broad and transferable critical thinking skills.
Learn from the best
Our lecturers have professional and academic experience. Our courses are nationally and internationally respected. They are scholarly and career-focussed, and well-connected with potential employers. The qualification is designed in collaboration with an advisory board of New Zealand’s top defence and security officials.
Further study
Once you have completed your Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies), you can then apply for a postgraduate qualification in security studies if you wish.
A Graduate Diploma in 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 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.
100-level prerequisites
When you are granted entry to the qualification, you are not required to pass any 100-level prerequisite course/s for the specialisation. You may need to apply for 200-level courses using the Special Request function in Course Enrolment in your student portal if your previous study was not completed at Massey. If you plan to take any electives in subjects such as Languages, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics, you will need to meet the 100-level prerequisite 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.
Subject courses
Course 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
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Security Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
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.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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 Graduate Diploma in 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 and law
- intelligence
- border protection
- law enforcement.
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 5-star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
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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