Accessibility Skip to Global Navigation Skip to Local Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Search Skip to Site Map

Master of International Studies (MIntSt)

Clocktower.

Apply for the Master of International Studies (MIntSt)

Apply Now

Overview

The Master of International Studies (MIntSt) degree requires at least twelve months of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study, and entails an intensive programme of postgraduate coursework and research in the multi-disciplinary field of International Studies. The aim is to develop in candidates the analytical skills and knowledge essential to understanding the contemporary world. The normal admission requirement is a four-year Honours degree at the upper Second Class level, or higher, or an equivalent qualification.

Degree candidates are required to master a core curriculum of four taught papers - INTS 502 International Politics, INTS 503 The Global Economy, INTS 504 International Legal Issues, and INTS 509 Global Peace and Conflict - and write a supervised research essay of between 18,000 and 20,000 words.

This degree may prepare candidates for leadership roles in professions that require international expertise: diplomacy, the public service, teaching, journalism or business. It can also serve as a foundation qualification for graduates interested in advancing to the PhD.

^ Top of page

Contact details

Email politics@otago.ac.nz or visit the Master of International Studies website.

^ Top of Page

Programme Requirements

Master of International Studies (MIntSt)

INTS 502  International Politics

INTS 503  The Global Economy

INTS 504  International Legal Issues

INTS 505  Research Project

INTS 509  Global Peace and Conflict

^ Top of page

Regulations for the Degree of Master of International Studies (MIntSt)

  1. Admission to the Programme

    1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
    2. Every applicant should normally
      1. hold a four-year Honours degree at a level of at least upper second class or equivalent, or
      2. have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

  2. Structure of the Programme

    1. The programme of study shall consist of four taught papers and a supervised research dissertation:
      • INTS 502 International Politics (24 points)
      • INTS 503 The Global Economy (24 points)
      • INTS 504 International Legal Issues (24 points)
      • INTS 505 Research Dissertation (48 points)
      • INTS 509 Global Peace and Conflict (24 points)

      Performances within the taught papers will be weighted as follows:

      • Examinations 60%
      • Internal assessment 40%
    2. The research dissertation should be started at the beginning of the programme and submitted no later than twelve months following first enrolment. The limit is 20,000 words of text, exclusive of appendices, footnotes, tabular material, bibliography or equivalent.
    3. Before commencing the investigation to be described in the research dissertation, a candidate shall obtain the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator and the supervisor(s) of the proposed topic.
    4. A candidate may not present a dissertation which has previously been accepted for another degree.

  3. Duration of the Programme

    A full-time candidate should complete the requirements of the degree within twelve months, and a part-time candidate within twenty-four months, of commencing the programme.

  4. Assessment

    1. Students will sit written examinations in the four required papers. Assessment will normally involve at least two examiners, one of whom will be external to the University. A candidate may be permitted to be re-examined for not more than one of the four taught papers (INTS 502, INTS 503, INTS 504, INTS 509).
    2. Assessment of the dissertation will involve an external examiner. If the dissertation is assessed as unsatisfactory on first submission the examiners may recommend to the Programme Co-ordinator that it be revised and resubmitted by a specified date.
    3. Where the examiners cannot agree on a result, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) shall reach a decision after consulting a referee.

  5. Degree Requirements

    The four required papers together contribute two-thirds, and the research dissertation one-third, of the overall mark. A pass standard is required for each of the four papers, and students must meet this standard to submit the research dissertation. They must also obtain a pass standard, or better, for the research dissertation.

  6. Level of Award of the Degree

    The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

  7. Variations

    The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

    ^ Top of page