The Master of International Studies (MIntSt) is an intensive taught master's programme.
It is multidisciplinary and 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 research project that the essay is based on is started at the beginning of the course.
You can enrol in the MIntSt programme in February or July each year.
MIntSt Thesis students and topics (PDF)
Details about the components of the Master of International Studies
Prerequisites
To apply for the MIntSt programme you 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); or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice Chancellor in the Humanities Division.
How to apply
Domestic Students
Apply online if you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
International Students
Contact the International Office if you are an international student.
Scholarships
Coursework Master's scholarships
A number of Coursework Master's Scholarships are available. On application to the programme, promising students are nominated by the Programme.
Contact details
Programme Director
Contact the Director of the MIntSt Programme, Professor Robert Patman, if you have any further questions.
Email robert.patman@otago.ac.nz.
What our graduates say
“The Master of International Studies gives you a skill set that lets you tackle a whole host of problems. For any world issue, you can draw from different pools of knowledge – they all come together to make you a better global citizen.”
Laurie Evans, MIntSt graduate
"I would absolutely recommend the MIntSt. It’s a degree that you can use in a number of different areas such as international studies, government studies, economics and history. It could lead you to another advanced degree or to a career in and of itself."
Jenifer Lamie, MIntSt graduate
"The Otago MIntSt degree added a level of breadth and depth to my knowledge. This has benefited me greatly since I left university, firstly in my role as a Policy Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and now as a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Waikato"
Rueben Steff, MIntSt graduate
