International Relations and Security Studies (2024)

Like most states, New Zealand depends for its security and prosperity on regional and international stability. Its political, economic and societal well-being can be affected by, for example, major power relations; global financial crises; and the rise of violent extremist non-state actors and the responses to them. As a good international citizen, New Zealand seeks to play a role in the international institutions that try to uphold international law and order and to contribute to international stabilisation operations in various countries. Given the significance of such issues, International Relations and Security Studies provides students with the opportunity to pursue further study in various aspects of international relations and security, including aspects of international law and trade, and to focus on particular regions of concern (notably, South-East Asia). A wide range of different length dissertations and theses can be undertaken, allowing students to focus on areas of special interest to them.

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.

Note: There will be no new enrolments in the International Relations and Security Studies minor in 2024 and onwards. Please see the International Relations minor which replaces the International Relations and Security Studies minor.


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  • 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).

    Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including ALPSS500 and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.

    Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500-level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.

  • 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.

  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS590Directed Study30.024X (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.
    ALPSS591Research Project30.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).
    ALPSS592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
    A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).
    IRSST502Security Issues in South East Asia30.024A (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.
    IRSST506International Relations and Global Security30.024B (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.
    IRSST507Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare15.024B (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.
    LEGAL576The Laws of Armed Conflict & International Humanitarian Law30.024G (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.
    POLSC537Environmental Politics and Public Policy30.024A (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 ...
    POLSC592Dissertation60.024X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    POLSC593Political Science Thesis90.024X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 12 March 2024 7:59pm

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