Defence Studies – Diploma in Arts

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Distance and online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Next Intake May-2026

Defence Studies – Diploma in Arts

About

Specialise in Defence Studies for your Diploma in Arts at Massey

The Diploma in Arts (Defence Studies) is a unique qualification that combines the study of modern defence studies and military history with broad and transferable critical-thinking skills.

Unique in New Zealand

You’ll examine the contemporary world of modern defence. This includes its impact on media, technology and conflict resolution at both local and global levels. Massey is the only university in New Zealand where you can study defence studies and military history at undergraduate level.

Learn from the best

You’ll be taught by staff with academic knowledge of defence studies and/or military, defence and security experience. The programme is designed in collaboration with an advisory board of New Zealand’s top defence and security officials. Our programme partners are government agencies that contribute to national, regional and global security, as well as peace and humanitarian aid initiatives.

You choose what to study

You can choose from a mix of military history, strategy, tactics, intelligence, command and technology courses. Defence Studies is not just for people employed in the military, it is for anyone with an interest in the various aspects of defence, for example, command, logistics, tactics, policy, or strategy.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Massey University English language requirements

If you have already completed a bachelor degree

If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

Career

With a Diploma in Arts (Defence Studies) you’ll graduate in high demand.

There’s an increasing need for defence professionals, both military and civilian. Employers are looking for people with the intelligence, initiative and determination to work in a wide range of complex defence environments. These roles are integral to the safety of New Zealand, and the demand for qualified people who can fill these is exceptionally strong.

Our graduates are employed in a broad range of areas such as border control, law, policing, management, defence, immigration, intelligence, foreign affairs and trade, business, and international relations.

Defence studies is a great choice for a career in: