Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus, New Zealand

The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree helps applicants to build the skills required to work in their chosen field.

Why study the Master of Arts?

Are you seeking the ability to think critically and communicate well? A Master of Arts (MA) from Waikato will teach you the skills to work independently and see a major project through to completion. These are characteristics that are highly sought after by employers.

Our comprehensive MA taught programme (180 points) is open to graduates from a full range of bachelor’s degrees, including arts, education, management, psychology, social sciences or sciences. You can select from a large number of different subjects, each designed to meet the needs of today's global job market.  These programmes are comprised of taught papers only meaning that you can improve your career prospects or switch your focus and potential earnings regardless of your previous academic experiences.

Major: International Relations and Security Studies

Studying International Relations and Security Studies at Waikato includes aspects of international law and trade, and focuses on particular regions of concern (notably, the Middle-East and South-East Asia).

Why study International Relations and Security Studies?

A wide range of different length dissertations and theses can be undertaken allowing you to focus on an area of special interest.

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 crisis; 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 which try to uphold international law and order and to contribute to international stabilisation operations in various countries.