Master of Strategic Studies

Build a career with global reach. Develop in-depth insights into the world’s strategic and security issues with an internationally recognised one-year degree.

International insights and opportunities

Develop a deep practical and theoretical understanding of the ways power is exercised. Explore how conflict is managed and security maintained across the globe.

You will get insights into the pressing geopolitical issues of our age, such as the relationship between the US and China, cybersecurity, the South China Sea, and strategic responses to the problems of terrorism and civil conflict.

Enhance your policy, analytical and research skills and accelerate your career with a globally connected Strategic Studies programme.

Studying with the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, you will join a fully integrated Political Science and International Relations programme, giving you access to a broad range of relevant courses and expertise.

Capital connections

Take advantage of the programme’s location in the nation’s capital and close relationship with the policy, diplomatic and security communities. You will develop connections and get practical expertise through seminars, roundtables and guest lectures.

International recognition

Work with internationally recognised staff who are prominent researchers, teachers and commentators on strategic and security issues.

You will study alongside the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), our globally-ranked think-tank at Victoria University of Wellington. This will give you the opportunities to attend seminars and workshops organized by CSS that feature leading scholars and practitioners from across the region and the world.

Fast-track or fit in with work

You can complete either qualification in a year, giving you a fast-track to specialist expertise in Strategic Studies.

You can also study part time while you work, with courses commonly available in the late afternoon or early evening.

Fast-track or fit in with work

You can complete either qualification in a year, giving you a fast-track to specialist expertise in Strategic Studies.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Community

Join a school with a focus on fostering its postgraduate community. Enjoy the benefits of strong relationships with staff, a thriving research culture and practical support through postgraduate seminars and events. You will get to hear leading speakers from overseas including the annual lecture by the Kippenberger Visiting Professor in Strategic Studies. The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. As well as the country’s political, diplomatic and security hub, Wellington is a harbour city with easy access to the great outdoors.

Careers

Gain the expertise needed to work in the wider security community, including government, research organisations and think tanks, civil society and the private sector.

You might work in policy, research, assessment or analysis jobs in organisations with a foreign affairs, defence or intelligence role.

The programme has a successful track record of getting internships in New Zealand and overseas—a good way to set up your career here or further afield.

Scholarships

If you are a New Zealand citizen you can apply for the Freyberg Scholarship.

You can apply for the Terence O’Brien scholarship if you are studying international governance or some aspect of multilateral diplomacy or cooperation.

If you are an international student you may want to look at scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government.

You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Tutoring

You may be able to get work tutoring first-year courses and courses associated with your areas of specialisation.

Employer support

The capability boost you get from doing an MSS means your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your costs.

More information

Find guidelines for Master's study, research grant information and other useful links on the Faculty's Postgraduate Resources page.

Find out about your options for Strategic Studies qualifications and discover what and how you will study.

What you will study

The MSS is in two parts—a taught and a research component.

The taught component starts with a core course and a range of approved courses.

As well as Strategic Studies courses, you can choose from selected International Relations and Political Science courses.

For the research component you can choose between a 60-point dissertation and a combination of a 30-point research essay or project and approved taught courses.

You may get permission from the head of school to do a 90-point thesis in place of the part two research component and some part one courses.

Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies

You can choose to study only the taught courses and get a PGDipSS. If you later complete the research courses you will receive your MSS in place of the PGDipSS.

How you will study

Your taught courses will often be in the late afternoon or early evening so you can study while you work.

You will also be able to take courses and work with your research supervisor over the summer in Trimester Three.

Workload

If you are studying full time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you will be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Workload

If you are studying full time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you will be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Duration

The MSS will usually take 12 months for full-time students and 24 months for part-time students.

The PGDipSS generally takes two trimesters full time or four trimesters part time.

Duration

The MSS will usually take 12 months for full-time students.

The PGDipSS generally takes two trimesters full time.