Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Politics and International Relations for your Master of Arts at Massey
With a Master of Arts (Politics and International Relations) at Massey, you can further investigate topics in politics that have taken your interest.
Understand the world around you
Politics is exciting and relevant. It’s about contests for power and how we make decisions in society. It’s about who gets what, when and how, from the local community to the global level. It’s concerned with the conflict of ideas and values. It has to do with who governs, and how and why decisions that affect all of us (such as how much students should pay to study at university or whether the UN should sanction military interventions) are made.
Small class sizes and enthusiastic lecturers
At Massey, politics is taught in a small interdisciplinary qualification where you have regular and close contact with academic staff. Your lecturers are active researchers in their respective fields. They are a politically diverse group who critically and enthusiastically engage with contemporary and historical events.
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 Politics and International Relations is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate degree in politics
- wish to stay relevant to current debates in politics
- want to investigate a particular aspect of politics for your research report or thesis.
Planning information
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.
The Master of Arts (Politics and International Relations) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
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 (90 credits)
Compulsory courses
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.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection
Course code: 200701 Advanced Political Thought 30 credits
An advanced study of significant and diverse scholarships and debates that frame and contest contemporary political events.
View full course detailsCourse code: 200702 Comparative Politics 30 credits
An in-depth exploration and critical analysis of the operation and nature of politics in different countries and regions around the world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 200761 International Relations: Theory and Practice 30 credits
An exploration of the theory and practice of international relations.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 131703 Gender and Development 30 credits
An examination of the interaction of gender difference, development planning and social change. Selected topics include empowerment and human rights, masculinities, the household, work, education, and health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150701 Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development 30 credits
Strategies for Māori advancement are examined within a Māori development framework. Barriers to development and the facilitation of positive development are explored using criteria relevant to indigenous self-determination. There is a focus on land, fisheries, social policy, health, Treaty settlements and opportunities for positive development.
View full course detailsPart Two: Coursework Pathway
Course code: 200873 Research Report Politics (60) 60 credits
Part Two: Research Pathway
Course code: 200881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 200882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 200883 Thesis 90 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
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 Master of Arts (Politics and International Relations) 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.
- 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 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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
- The Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War Heritage Scholarship
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
Massey’s Master of Arts (Politics and International Relations) can lead to a range of careers, including:
- academia
- business and commerce
- diplomacy
- finance
- journalism and media
- policy advising and analysis
- public service
- research.
Organisations employing our graduates include the NZ Defence Forces, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, the Treasury, Air New Zealand, the Reserve Bank, the United Nations, TV3News and Amnesty International.
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
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 – 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 – Bachelor of Arts
Gain a powerful combination of critical thinking skills and knowledge of global security issues.
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