Massey University will offer a new qualification in international security beginning this year.
The Centre for Defence and Security Studies will offer the degree course, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the New Zealand Police.
Students would have the option of pursuing the course either on full-time or on extramural basis. The course would cover a number of subjects, including security strategy, crime intelligence, international law, and leadership and management.
The MoU, signed by Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey and Deputy Commissioner of Police Viv Rickard in Wellington on December 21, 2011, provides for collaboration in research, teaching and professional development.
Mr Maharey said crime and intelligence issues would form key components of the postgraduate qualification.
Mr Rickard said the MoU offered opportunities for shared learning in the specialist intelligence field.
“Universities encourage innovative thinking and this MoU is about helping us to think about smarter and better ways of doing business,” he said.
New Zealand Police Director of Intelligence Mark Evans said the MOU came at the appropriate time, as the Police launched their new ‘Prevention First’ operation strategy, aimed at making New Zealand an even safer place to live, visit and do business.
“This new relationship will help us develop future leaders within Police and the focus on applied teaching will improve our ability to police even more effectively in partnership with others,” he said.
Defence and Security Studies Centre director Nick Nelson described the pact as a ‘significant academic development.’
“Massey University has developed tailored papers within its master’s programme, which are designed to extend students’ knowledge beyond training and professional experience to bring a broader, research-led approach to how New Zealand deals with crime and security issues in the domestic setting,” he said.
Massey has similar agreements with the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Customs Service based on teaching, research and professional development.
Mr Nelson said working in partnership with New Zealand’s border law enforcement and security forces provided a unique opportunity to assist in developing best practice.
“This partnership also helps to identify opportunities for research to inform operational decision and policy-making,” he said.
Photo Caption: Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey, Deputy Commissioner of Police Vic Rickard and others at the signing ceremony in Wellington on December 21, 2011.
