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). 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.
Given the significance of such issues, International Relations and Security Studies is available as a minor in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Sciences.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study International Relations and Security Studies in these qualifications
Study International Relations and Security Studies as a specialisation of
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
Papers
Available International Relations and Security Studies papers
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. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Contacts
School of Social Sciences
General & Undergraduate Enquiries:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4702
Email: [email protected]