What will I learn?

The Master of International Studies (MIntSt) degree is an intensive, 12-month programme of postgraduate coursework and research in the multidisciplinary field of International Studies. It consists of four master's-level papers taught by staff from four disciplines - international politics, global economics, international law, and peace and conflict studies - and a supervised research essay of between 18,000 and 20,000 words. The degree will take at least twelve months of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. The Master of International Studies is good preparation for professions that require international expertise: diplomacy, the public service, teaching, journalism or business. It can also serve as a foundation qualification if you are interested in advancing to the PhD.

Which department am I in?

Division of Humanities

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees

NZ$43,005.00 (21,64,427) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Application deadline

Expected April 2025

More details

Start date

February 2025

Venue

Dunedin Campus

University of Otago Clocktower Building,

362 Leith Street,

DUNEDIN,

North Dunedin,

9016, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For students from United States

Every applicant should normally be a graduate with an ordinary bachelor’s degree and with an average grade of at least B+ in the 300-level papers for the degree, or be a graduate with an honours degree awarded at a standard of at least second class honours (division I), or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

For international students

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant should normally

be a graduate with an ordinary bachelor's degree and with an average grade of at least B in the 300-level papers for the degree, or
be a graduate with an honours degree awarded at a standard of at least second class honours (division I), or
have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169).
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
Language Cert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill.
NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher.