- 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 Without Specialisation for your Master of International Security at Massey
The Master of International Security is a multidisciplinary qualification. It draws on strategic studies, international relations, military studies, political science, area studies, political and human geography and complementary fields of study.
Fast-track your qualification and your career
If you want to develop skills in security management, this is the qualification for you. Security management is an increasingly important dimension of government and public policy. It has a direct benefit to economic security and social wellbeing, so your skills will be in demand.
Follow your own interests
You will learn the principles, theory and practice of international security. You’ll gain an understanding of interagency perspectives. You’ll also develop analytical and communications skills appropriate to the security context.
You will carry out independent research in a security context. This will enable you to develop your own area of specialisation. You will also benefit from our close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of International Security (Without Specialisation) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
You must achieve a minimum B- grade average in the first 90 credits of courses taken in order to progress to Part Two.
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
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
Compulsory Course
Course code: 294720 International Security 30 credits
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of international security, analysing its foundational concepts, institutional frameworks, and emerging global challenges. Students will critically engage with both traditional and non-traditional security threats, examining the role of state and non-state actors, international organisations, and geopolitical shifts in shaping global security dynamics. The course covers a diverse range of security domains.
View full course detailsSubject 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 294820 Applied Security Research Project 60 credits
Students undertake a research project that is relevant to and builds on their professional experience in international security.
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
To enter the Master of International Security (Without Specialisation) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a relevant bachelor's degree with a grade average of at least B-, or
- a completed Postgraduate Certificate in International Security, with at least a B- grade average, or
- a completed Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, with at least a B- Grade average,
or you will:
- be able to demonstrate scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience and standing in leadership, managerial and planning positions in government or non-government security agencies appropriate for admission with equivalent status.
If you have a Postgraduate Certificate in International Security or Postgraduate Diploma in International Security as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
If you are applying on the basis of scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience you must also provide a copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV).
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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,066
- International students: $38,840
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.
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
Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
Gain advanced knowledge of the security sector with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in International Security.
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