International Relations and Security Studies (2024)

International Relations and Security Studies is available as a minor.

To complete a minor in International Relations and Security Studies, students must complete at least 60 points in papers listed for the minor, including at least 30 above 100 level. Students must complete both IRSST103 and IRSST206.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(IRSSt), PGDip(IRSSt) and MA
• Prescriptions for the PhD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level

• Prescriptions for the PGCert(IRSSt), PGDip(IRSSt) and MA

  To complete the Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations and Security Studies, students must complete at least 60 points, including one of IRSST502, IRSST506 or POLSC537.

  To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Security Studies students must complete at least 120 points from the following papers, including at least two of IRSST502, IRSST506 or POLSC537.

  To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in International Relations and Security Studies, a student must have completed either:

  a) a BA or BSocSc with a major in Political Science (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B average in the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

  b) a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Political Science (or equivalent) with at least second class honours

  (second division), or a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Security Studies (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B average, and

  c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

  Completion requirements for the MA in International Relations and Security Studies vary according to admission criteria:

  All students must take at least two of IRSST502, IRSST506 or POLSC537 (unless these have already been taken as part of an earlier qualification) and complete either a dissertation or a thesis.

  Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including either a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

  Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, or a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

• Prescriptions for the PhD

  The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

• 100 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  IRSST103	Introduction to International Relations	15.0	24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
  This paper provides an introduction to the study of international relations in an era of globalisation. It covers the historical background, key concepts and theories, case studies, and contemporary developments in the study of world politics.
  POLSC103	Introduction to Political Psychology	15.0	24A (Online) & 24A (Tauranga)
  Politics affects every aspect of our lives. This paper is an introduction to understanding political behaviour, helping you become more critically aware of your own role as citizen.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  IRSST206	International Relations: The Security Agenda	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to International Relations' dynamic and evolving security agenda and covers some of the most urgent contemporary security concerns.
  POLSC224	Terrorism, Violence and the State	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  Terrorism is an increasingly prominent global phenomenon. We will clarify it conceptually and situate it historically with theory and case studies in situating it in comparative political and International Relations analysis.
  POLSC229	US Politics	15.0	24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga)
  Students in this course explore the foundational elements of the United States, its governing institutions, the extent of public influence within the system, and major contemporary policy issues that the country faces.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  IRSST301	International Relations: The Context, Theory and Practice of New Zealand Foreign Policy	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This course delivers a comprehensive historical overview of New Zealand foreign policy from the beginning of the 20th century, and considers the role government departments play in the creation and implementation of policy.
  IRSST315	International Politics of Asia	15.0	24B (Hamilton)
  It provides an introduction to, and analysis of, critical issues in Asia. Issues may include some, or all, of the Kashmir dispute; the situation on the Korean Peninsula; the South China Sea disputes; and tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
  IRSST331	Cyber Security and the Global Politics of the Internet	15.0	24B (Online)
  This course explores the global politics of cyber security and the internet. It covers the major political/strategic/theoretical debates around enhancing the security of computer systems and how states and non-state actors are responding.
  POLCY318	Global Environmental Politics and Policy	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper explores contemporary debates on environmental politics, sustainability, justice, and environmental governance. It examines the political processes underpinning the search for cooperative solutions to environmental dilemmas, including climate change.
  POLSC301	Visual Communication: Politics, Propaganda, Protest	15.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to the power of visual communication. The theoretical knowledge gained is applicable to politics and beyond.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS590	Directed Study	30.0	24X (Hamilton)
  This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
  ALPSS591	Research Project	30.0	24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
  A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).
  ALPSS592	Dissertation	60.0	24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
  A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).
  IRSST502	Security Issues in South East Asia	30.0	24A (Hamilton)
  After a brief conceptual and historical introduction to security in the region, the paper goes on to consider a range of contemporary security issues. These include ethnic conflict, militant Islam, maritime security, and relations with the major extra-regional powers.
  IRSST506	International Relations and Global Security	30.0	24B (Hamilton)
  This paper teaches and utilises major international relations theories to consider pressing global issues. This includes the causes of war and peace, globalisation, the Cold War, the widening security agenda, terrorism, the environment, inequality, new technologies, and international institutions.
  IRSST507	Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare	15.0	24B (Online)
  This course examines the political, strategic, legal and economic debates around cyber security and cyber warfare. Particular emphasis is placed on how militaries, national security agencies, and law enforcement are adapting to online threats and incorporating cyber in their strategic planning.
  LEGAL576	The Laws of Armed Conflict & International Humanitarian Law	30.0	24G (Hamilton) & 24G (Tauranga)
  This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in the Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
  POLSC537	Environmental Politics and Public Policy	30.0	24A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on environmental policy making. A significant focus of the paper is on analysing and understanding the complex intersections of institutions, culture, science and technology, and systems of ...
  POLSC593	Political Science Thesis	90.0	24X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.