Diploma in Border and Biosecurity – DipBBiosec

Massey’s Diploma in Border and Biosecurity is a part-time, multi-disciplinary border and biosecurity qualification.

Follow your interests

You can choose from a wide range of subject areas including plant and animal science, border security, biosecurity, organisational behaviour, law, globalisation and trade, data management and decision-making, logistics and supply-chain management.

Study to suit you

Your first year will include 2 compulsory courses relating to border and biosecurity studies. The rest of your qualification will be made up of elective courses that you choose to suit your interests.

Massey excels at distance learning, and all your teaching will be provided by distance and/or block courses. This offers flexibility for students with jobs or other commitments.

What you’ll learn

You’ll learn about:

• the concepts of border security and biosecurity
• contemporary border and biosecurity issues and practices
• the implications of these for countries’ national security and the economic and social wellbeing of their people.

You may also gain specialist knowledge in 1 or more of the following areas:

• advanced theoretical frameworks and government policies for a range of biosecurity challenges
• the sources of New Zealand law, legal principles and basic rules of interpretation
• the range of security challenges that face global and New Zealand borders
• the evaluation of international transportation systems and the global food system from different perspectives
• the fundamental features of the main classes of micro-organisms, insects, plants and/or animals and their relevance to biosecurity practices
• data analysis, research, fieldwork, and report and summary writing
• analysis of organisational decision-making strategies and evaluation of the potential effects of globalisation and technological advances on organisational behaviour.

Protect New Zealand’s economy, taonga and way of life

Biosecurity is a multi-disciplinary practice concerned with protecting valued life from pests and diseases. New Zealand’s primary industries are critical to the economy at a local scale and play an important role in food security at a global one. Protecting the biodiversity of indigenous flora and fauna is equally important. The qualification has a distinctly New Zealand focus while maintaining global relevance.

Why Massey?

Massey University offers knowledge and expertise across the breadth of disciplines required for a border and biosecurity qualification. Massey provides a high level of prestige and international recognition for the provision of this qualification, including associated research opportunities.

Industry connections

Massey is well connected within the government sector. Both the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) are members of Massey University’s Strategic Advisory Board, along with other key government security and intelligence agencies. You’ll be able to specialise in border management and biosecurity issues that focus on government-relevant skills.

Real-world learning

You’ll have the opportunity for applied learning and/or community and civic engagement that will connect you with the wider community and authenticate your study through real-world application.

Further study

On completion of this diploma, you could go on to further university undergraduate study, such as a Bachelor of Arts (Security Studies).

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 the Diploma in Border and Biosecurity, 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

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

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