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PGDip - International Relations and Security Studies as a subject

Postgraduate diplomas provide the opportunity for continuing professional development in the same area as an original degree. A postgraduate diploma can often lead to a masters degree.

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


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Key information

Entry Requirements:

Entry usually requires a bachelors degree (or equivalent) and an advanced level of study in your subject area.

Year: 1.0
Points: 120 points
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (International): $34,085 - $43,575 per year
Entry Requirements: Postgraduate International
Area of Study:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.

Career opportunities

  • Diplomat
  • Foreign Policy Analyst
  • International Defence Relations Officer
  • National Assessments Bureau
  • National and International NGOs
  • New Zealand Defence Force Officer
  • Security and Intelligence Officer

Degree Planner

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.


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Contacts

School of Social Sciences

General & Undergraduate Enquiries:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4702
Email: [email protected]