Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism – PGCertCTVE

Gain an advanced understanding of 20th and 21st century terrorism and violent extremism, together with the knowledge and skills required to effectively counter these evolving threats.

Subject to CUAP approval

This qualification is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).

Type of qualification
Postgraduate certificate
Level of study
Postgraduate study

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

NZQF level 8

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete
6 months full-time (60 credits)
Where you can study
Distance and online
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand

Study a Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism – PGCertCTVE

Massey's Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism examines the causes, evolution and manifestations of terrorism and violent extremism, together with the strategies, policies and operational approaches used to counter them. We include New Zealand’s own experience of and responses to terrorism and violent extremism, in light of wider historical and global trends.

You'll combine academic study and practical exercises, and develop the expertise required to analyse complex security challenges, helping to prepare you for a career in the security sector and for further study in the field of international security.

A PGCertCTVE is a good fit if you:

  • Seek a career in the national security domain
  • Want skills and knowledge applicable to policing, policy, security, regulatory enforcement or intelligence
  • Want to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary security challenges and responses.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and and Violent Extremism you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree.

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's English language competency requirements.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

More information

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.

Structure of the Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

Structure of the Postgraduate Certificate in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

If you study full-time, you’ll take 60 credits in 1 semester.

Courses and specialisations

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

60 credits

  • Courses from the Schedule – 60 credits
Choose 60 credits from
Course 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 details
Course 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.

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.

149740
View full course details

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

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Student loans (StudyLink)

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

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Scholarships and awards

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Careers and job opportunities

Careers and job opportunities

Graduates will be well positions for careers across the public and private security sectors, where specialiset knowledge of terrorism, violent extremism and related security threats is increasingly valued.

Career opportunities include:

  • intelligence and security agencies
  • law enforcement
  • defence
  • border security
  • corrections
  • emergency management
  • government policy and advisory roles
  • international organisations
  • private security and risk consultancy.

The critical research, thinking and writing skills you'll gain from this qualification will be readily translatable to a range of roles in the public and private sectors. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for those seeking to pursue further postgraduate study and research.

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