Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Peace and Security for your Master of Sustainable Development Goals at Massey
The Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Peace and Security) focuses on the theory and practice of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This qualification addresses the most pressing imperative facing humanity and the planet: sustainability.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The SDGs are the UN’s ambitious macro-level plan for humankind’s development and sustainability. The goals address global challenges including those related to poverty and inequality, climate and environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.
Follow your interests
All students take two core courses in sustainable development. The first will introduce you to the theories of sustainable development and the SDGs. The second focuses on multi-disciplinary frameworks. The courses will also focus on how to measure progress against the SDGs, as well as alternative and indigenous paradigms, knowledge and practice in the field of sustainability.
Within the specialisation, you will choose courses related to peace and security. These courses cover issues and concepts ‘security’ and the transitions towards and the maintenance of ‘peace’ (and secure, fair and just institutions and livelihoods) in line with the SDGs.
Real-world Research
The final 60-credit component of your degree is a research practicum. You’ll identify an organisation or agency with which to work towards policies or practices guided by the SDG framework for peace and security. You’ll then conduct research on and analyse the peace and security work undertaken by that organisation.
A Master of Sustainable Development Goals in Peace and Security is a good fit if you:
- Want to address peace and security issues within the context of sustainability and wellbeing
- Are looking to improve your skills in applying sustainability principles and practices
- Are interested in working towards peace and security around the globe
Planning information
The Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Peace and Security) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
Part One is coursework and Part Two is a research practicum.
For progression from Part One to Part Two, you must achieve a Grade Average of at least a B over the 120 credits of the Part One courses.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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.
Core courses for the Master of Sustainable Development Goals
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Sustainable Development Goals core courses
Peace and Security courses
Part One Subject courses
Course code: 200761 International Relations: Theory and Practice 30 credits
An exploration of the theory and practice of international relations.
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: 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: 294717 Human Security in Application 30 credits
This course examines critical analysis and application of human security in national and international contexts. This would allow the participants to understand and engage in a wide range of theoretical studies and practical projects on human security.
View full course detailsPart Two
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits
Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.
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 Sustainable Development Goals (Peace and Security) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a grade average of at least B in the highest level courses.
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
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
There is strong demand in the global marketplace for workers with the skills to translate, implement, monitor and report on the SDGs. Increasing recognition peace and security-related issues has led to an increase in demand for graduates with skills and knowledge in this field.
There is a growing gap in the development sector amongst those who have expertise in security issues versus those with expertise in humanitarian response. This gap needs to be closed, especially as we see increasing pressures from climate insecurities on populations. This is highly relevant to New Zealand and the Pacific Reset. This need has led to increased demand for experts in the fields of:
- Climate change and security
- Migration
- International Security
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Development Studies
Massey is ranked 30th in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Related study options
Development Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Analyse and gain an understanding of the processes transforming people's lives throughout the world.
Development Studies – Diploma in Arts
Gain useful skills to help solve development problems, with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Development Studies).
Development Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Transform lives with development studies. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Development Studies) will give you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in development studies without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Global Development – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
Massey’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Global Development) will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to global development.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz