Postgraduate Programmes in International Studies

IPU New Zealand offers two postgraduate qualifications:

• Master of International Studies
• Postgraduate Diploma of International Studies

Both of these qualifications are of an interdisciplinary nature. Students study a mixture of business, international relations, and environmental science to develop knowledge and practical skills to engage in today's rapidly changing business world.

Designed for high-achieving professionals who are looking for international career opportunities, the Master of International Studies will provide you with an appreciation of how businesses, government and the global economy interact. You will develop the ability to think globally, manage people within multicultural settings and will be equipped to go on to a rewarding career with a multinational company, government agency, international aid agency or organisation with global business links.

Master of International Studies (MIS)

• NZQA Level 9 (You must hold a relevant Bachelor's Degree)*
• Credits: 240
• Duration: 5 semesters (minimum)
• Intakes: January, April, August

Postgraduate Diploma of International Studies (PDIS)

• NZQA Level 8 (You must hold a relevant Bachelor's Degree)*
• Credits: 150
• Duration: 3 semesters (minimum)
• Intakes: January, April, August

*Advanced diploma and other equivalent qualifications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

What you will gain

The MIS and PDIS programmes foster your potential as a leader, manager, and decision maker. Assessments and activities within the programmes encourage your development in the following skills:

• Leadership and People Management
• Entrepreneurial and Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Business Management and Finance
• Teamwork and Collaboration

These are the key skills employers are looking for in senior managers.

Career opportunities

• Corporate Management
• Communications
• Foreign Affairs
• Management
• Marketing
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Public Services

And many more!

Course requirements

Postgraduate Diploma/Year One - Master of International Studies

All postgraduate students are required to take FIVE papers, with no more than TWO papers per term.

TWO compulsory papers

• Resource Management (30 credits)
• Postgraduate Research Methods (30 credits)

THREE elective papers

The following Level 8 papers may be offered:

• People, the Planet and Sustainability (30 credits)
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation (30 credits)
• Business, the Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility (30 credits)
• Science, the Environment and Policy Making (30 credits)
• Politics and Development (30 credits)
• Contemporary Marketing (30 credits)
• Sustainability and Management Accounting (30 credits)
• International Human Resource Management (30 credits)
• Leadership, Communication and Change Management (30 credits)

Students successfully completing 150 credits may then graduate with a PDIS.

Year Two (Master of International Studies only)

Students may select from the following options:

1. Executive Strategic Project (90 credits)
2. Thesis (90 credits)
3. Executive Project (60 credits) and 1 additional Level 8 paper (30 credits)
4. Research Paper (60 credits) and 1 additional Level 8 paper (30 credits)

Students successfully completing the remaining 90 credits in Year Two may then graduate with a MIS.

Entry requirements

Candidates with an existing undergraduate degree from a recognised institution may apply to take the above programmes. All teaching in the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of International Studies is in English. Applicants who are not native speakers of English must produce evidence of one of the following English Language examinations* in satisfaction of the minimum language entry requirement for admission:

• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall, with no band score lower than 6.0; or equivalent

Conditional entry may be granted subject to the applicant providing proof of language proficiency.

*Official English language scores must have been achieved within the two-year period prior to the application.