International Relations and Security Studies Subject regulations

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.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

International Relations and Security Studies papers

500 Level
Code and paper title Points
ALPSS590 Directed Study right arrow

This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their...

30 25X (Hamilton)
ALPSS591 Research Project right arrow

A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 12,500 words maximum).

30 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)
ALPSS592 Dissertation right arrow

A research report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical or practice-led investigation (up to 25,000 words maximum).

60 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)
INTRL502 Diplomacy and Politics in Asia: Advanced Study right arrow

After a brief conceptual and historical introduction to security in the region, the paper goes on to consider a range of contemporary security...

30 25B (Hamilton) & 25B (Online)
INTRL506 Geopolitics in the New World Disorder: Advanced Study right arrow

This paper teaches and utilises major international relations theories to consider pressing global issues. This includes the causes of war and...

30 25A (Hamilton)
POLSC537 Environmental Politics and Public Policy right arrow

This paper introduces students to the complexities and challenges of environmental policy processes, and develops skills in scholarly research on...

30 25A (Hamilton)
POLSC593 Political Science Thesis right arrow

An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

90 25X (Hamilton)
time

2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 18 Jan 2025 01:00am