Programme overview
Make sense of conflict, help build safer communities and make the world a more secure place.
In this interdisciplinary programme you can advance your knowledge through the study of war, ethnic and religious conflict, cybercrime, terrorism and radicalisation.
You can learn from researchers who have worked for international institutions such as the United Nations and World Bank.
If you would like to know more about the MCTS, please contact Dr Chris Wilson at chris.wilson@auckland.ac.nz or Cam Stockdale (csto324@aucklanduni.ac.nz).
Programme structure
There are different ways to structure your programme, depending on the qualifications you already have, and whether you would like to write a thesis.
Taught (180 point)
- Enter from an undergraduate qualification
- Three core courses in the causes, dynamics and resolution of violent conflict and terrorism, and the ethics of war (45 points)
- Elective courses (90 points or 75 points)
- Dissertation (45 points or 60 points)
Research (120 point)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- Two core courses in the causes, dynamics and resolution of violent conflict and terrorism, and the ethics of war (30 points)
- Thesis (90 points)
Taught (120 point)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- Three core courses in the causes, dynamics and resolution of violent conflict and terrorism, and the ethics of war (45 points)
- Elective courses (30 points or 15 points)
- Dissertation (45 points or 60 points)
You can find the requirements for your study in the MCTS Schedule, and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Conflict and Terrorism Studies.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Taught (180pt)
Year one 120 points
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 770
- Name:
- Ethnic Conflict and Civil War
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 773
- Name:
- From Dresden to Drones: The Ethics of War
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 701
- Name:
- Research Design in Empirical Political Inquiry
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 793A
- Name:
- Dissertation
- Type:
- Dissertation
- Points:
- 30 pts
Year two 60 points
-
- Code:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 793B
- Name:
- Dissertation
- Type:
- Dissertation
- Points:
- 30 pts
Sample programme structure
Research (120 point)
Year one 120 points
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 770
- Name:
- Ethnic Conflict and Civil War
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 773
- Name:
- From Dresden to Drones: The Ethics of War
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POLITICS 794
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Thesis
- Points:
- 90 pts
Subjects available in this programme
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 5.0. This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 5.0 in 45 points above Stage II. This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 5.0. This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study or a four-year undergraduate degree
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study or a four-year undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification following an undergraduate degree, or an equivalent four-year undergraduate degree, in a relevant discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0.
This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0. This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification following an undergraduate degree, or an equivalent four-year undergraduate degree, in a relevant discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0.
This programme draws upon multiple disciplines to study conflict and terrorism, so a wide range of backgrounds will be considered.
How much does a Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,862.80*
- International students
- NZ$41,180*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
Develop the specialist knowledge and skills for careers in government and security, international organisations, policy making, peacekeeping and post-conflict development. Our graduates in this field have careers in government agencies, non-governmental and corporate organisations in a number of countries.
Jobs related to this programme
- Conflict analyst
- Counterterrorism analyst
- Development consultant
- Disaster management specialist
- Humanitarian worker
- Intelligence analyst
- Peace and reconciliation advisor
- Policy advisor
Graduate story: Laura Eaton
A Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies opened the door to an international career for Laura Eaton.
Read moreStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Experience the University
Studying conflict and terrorism
Hear from our Programme Director and student to find out more about Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513