Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies

Programme Overview

The Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies (MCTS) provides an advanced academic platform to analyse the complex causes, dynamics, and consequences of global political violence. This interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on practical and ethical approaches to conflict prevention, resolution, counterterrorism, and the ethics of modern warfare. Because the programme draws upon multiple disciplines, it welcomes candidates from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The structure of your programme depends on your prior qualifications and whether you choose a coursework-heavy or research-focused track:

1. Taught Track (180 Points)

• Entry Pathway: Designed for students entering directly from an undergraduate bachelors degree.
• Structure: Comprises three core courses (45 points), elective courses (75–90 points), and a substantial dissertation (45–60 points).

2. Taught Track (120 Points)

• Entry Pathway: Designed for students entering from a postgraduate qualification (such as a BA(Hons) or PGDipArts).
• Structure: Comprises three core courses (45 points), elective courses (15–30 points), and a dissertation (45–60 points).

3. Research Track (120 Points)

• Entry Pathway: Designed for students entering from a prior postgraduate qualification.
• Structure: Comprises two core courses (30 points) focused on violence dynamics or ethics, paired with a dominant 90-point independent research thesis.

What You'll Study

Coursework modules are divided into core theoretical requirements and customized electives across Level 700 courses:

• Core Theoretical Modules: Compulsory focus papers such as Ethnic Conflict and Civil War (POLITICS 770) and From Dresden to Drones: The Ethics of War (POLITICS 773).
• Research Design Frameworks: Methodological preparation via Research Design in Empirical Political Inquiry.
• Capstone Components: Depending on the track, completion of a 30-to-60 point independent Research Dissertation or a major 90-point Master's Thesis.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Interdisciplinary Flexibility: Draws broadly from politics, international relations, philosophy, and law, making it highly adaptable to diverse personal career targets.
• Critical Ethical Exposure: Moves past simple historical overviews to deeply critique modern conflict strategies, including cyber warfare, border policies, and drone ethics.
• Elite Academic Standing: Delivered at New Zealand's top research university, providing access to internationally recognized security analysts and research networks.

Entry Requirements & Compliance Checks

• Academic Minimums (180-Point Track): A completed undergraduate bachelors degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher.
• Academic Minimums (120-Point Tracks): A completed Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant subject with a minimum GPA of 5.0. Alternatively, completion of a bachelors degree alongside 60 points of a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts with a 5.0 GPA may be considered.
• Prerequisites & Practical Experience: A wide range of backgrounds is considered due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field. In exceptional circumstances, strict academic targets may be waived if the applicant possesses significant relevant professional, practical, or scholarly experience equivalent to postgraduate study.
• Language Requirement: Evidence of English language competency via an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all sub-bands 6.0+) or a PTE Academic score of 58.