Defence – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security

Gain knowledge of command, leadership and management theories, processes and practices in defence and security contexts.

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

Specialise in Defence for your Postgraduate Diploma in International Security at Massey

When you graduate from this qualification you will have:

  • knowledge of command, leadership and management theories, processes and practices in defence and security contexts
  • experience in the application of problem-solving frameworks appropriate to defence and security contexts and events
  • capability for critically reflective professional practice in the planning, implementation and evaluation of security events in a multi-agency environment.

Planning information

A Postgraduate Diploma in International Security (Defence) requires 120 credits comprising one compulsory course, two endorsement courses and one elective course.

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 Postgraduate Diploma in International Security

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Postgraduate Diploma in International Security core courses

Defence courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course 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 details
Course 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.

Restrictions: 149821

View full course details

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 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.

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.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

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.

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