- Type of qualification
- Postgraduate diploma
- 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.
NZQF level 8Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in International Security – PGDipIntlSy
With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, you’ll develop skills in security management. This is an increasingly important dimension of government and public policy. It has direct benefit to economic security and social wellbeing.
Get advanced knowledge of the security sector
You’ll gain:
- advanced knowledge in contemporary international security theory and practice
- understanding of interagency perspectives
- analytical and communications skills appropriate to the security context.
Be connected and supported
You’ll also benefit from our close relationships with partner agencies in the security sector. Our supportive staff will encourage you to pursue your intellectual and professional interests. You can develop your own area of specialisation:
- counter-terrorism
- border and biosecurity
- intelligence
- defence.
Further study
Upon successful completion of this qualification you could go on to study the Master of International Security.
A PGDipIntlSy is a good fit if you:
- have an appropriate or equivalent undergraduate degree in defence and security studies
- have extensive professional experience in the security sector
- want to go on to the Master of International Security.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree, or
- be able to demonstrate 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 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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the 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 be 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 Diploma in International Security
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Courses and specialisations
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
120 credits
Endorsement option
- Compulsory course – 30 credits
- Courses from 1 Endorsement – 60 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 30 credits
No endorsement option
- Compulsory course – 30 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 90 credits
An endorsement is optional, requiring at least 60 credits from the endorsement.
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 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 detailsEndorsements
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.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation (endorsement).
Border and Biosecurity
Gain government-ready skills for a career in border management or biosecurity.
Counter-Terrorism
Gain an understanding of the theories, concepts, and typologies of terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation.
Intelligence
Gain advanced knowledge of contemporary international intelligence activities in a multi-agency context. Your skills will be in demand.
Without Specialisation
Gain advanced knowledge of the security sector with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in International Security.
Elective 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 detailsCourse 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: 294710 Intelligence-led Policing 30 credits
This course provides a critical examination of the precept and practice of intelligence-led policing and its derivative intelligence adjacent practices in policing and other policy and enforcement domains.
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 detailsFees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- 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
Find more 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
Careers and job opportunities
With the Postgraduate Diploma in International Security, you can expect to advance your career in the security sector in government and non-government agencies, and contribute to international security operations.
This qualification will prepare you for roles in fields such as:
- analysing regional politics
- border security
- conflict resolution
- customs work
- police work
- defence forces
- peacekeeping
- policy analysis
- truce monitoring
- management
- planning
- politics
- risk management.
What our students say
“The optional contact courses made this degree appealing because I could study while working full-time.”
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