Type of qualification
Level of 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.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Certificate in International Security – PGCertIntlSy
Once you have completed this qualification you may also have the opportunity of proceeding to the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security. However, it is also possible to enrol in the postgraduate diploma or master’s degree directly.
A PGCertIntlSy is a good fit if you:
A stepping-stone to postgraduate study
If you are looking for a shorter term postgraduate qualification in international security, then consider the Postgraduate Certificate in International Security.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Certificate in International Security you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, or
- have completed scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience.
You will need to provide verified copies of all 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.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
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
- General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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 International Security
If you study full-time, you’ll take 60 credits in one semester.
This qualification is awarded without specialisation (endorsement).
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
60 credits
- Compulsory course – 30 credits
- Course from the Schedule – 30 credits
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.
Compulsory course
Course code: 294720 Security Concepts and Structures 30 credits
This course develops core conceptual and structural understandings of the study of security. It outlines the philosophical frameworks underpinning the international security environment with particular attention given to foundational challenges in defence, terrorism, intelligence, regional security and border and biosecurity. Exploring these challenges provides a basis for examining a diverse range of international security factors, and evaluating the major ethical implications of security issues and responses.
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: 294704 Command, Leadership and Management 30 credits
An advanced study of the interrelated components of command, leadership and management with an emphasis on how these are applied in the contemporary security 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: 294714 Applied Security Planning Exercise 30 credits
An applied professional practice course that seeks to apply the NZ whole of government problem solving framework to develop potential solutions to evolving security challenges.
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 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 detailsCourse code: 294790 Research Methods in Defence and Security Studies 30 credits
Theory, practice and application of research for scholarly and professional works in defence and security studies including: qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data collection and analysis, and interpretation to be applied to historical, contemporary or future-focused research.
View full course detailsFees 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
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.
Related study options
Certificate in Foundation Studies – CertFoundStud
Successful completion of this qualification will give you admission to New Zealand universities and prepare you for undergraduate study.
Certificate of University Preparation – CertUniPrep
The Certificate of University Preparation will help you reach the standards you need to start studying towards a university qualification.
Foundation Certificate (International - Accelerated) – FCert(IntAcc)
The Foundation Certificate (International – Accelerated) will help you prepare for undergraduate study by helping to increase your English and academic skills.
Foundation Certificate (International) – FCert(Int)
This qualification will help you prepare for undergraduate study by improving your English and academic skills.
Postgraduate Certificate in Intelligence – PGCertIntel
Gain an advanced understanding of the roles, functions, and processes of intelligence to get a critical understanding of the ethical and professional issues involved in its practice.
Without Specialisation – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Inspire people, shape policy, solve problems, create new ways of thinking, and transform the world. You can study Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Without Specialisation – Diploma in Arts
With Massey’s Diploma in Arts, you can study what you enjoy and explore subject areas that spark your interest.
Without Specialisation – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Learn to be a critical thinker, problem-solver, and inspire people with Massey's Graduate Diploma in Arts.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz