Program Overview

Master of Security and Crime Science

The Master of Security and Crime Science is a qualification that aims to develop the skills required to become a leader in the security, intelligence, and crime-prevention areas in the public and private sectors. This degree combines skills from different disciplines such as Statistics, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems, Population Studies, Psychology, and Management.

Why Study the Master of Security and Crime Science?

The Master of Security and Crime Science is the first of its kind in New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region, led by the New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science (NZISCS). The Institute is the primary research partner for the New Zealand Police, and a partner at the Evidence-Based Policing Centre in Wellington. Papers and research topics will be delivered by world-leading researchers in psychology, statistics, artificial intelligence, including machine learning, cyber security, political science, economics, management, law, education, Māori and indigenous development, and demographic research.

Career Opportunities

• Policy development for social agencies
  • Intelligence analyst (e.g., for MPI, National or International Police forces)
  • Traffic accident analyst
  • Security enhancement engineer
  • Social investment expert
  • Senior policy advisor
  • Crime data scientist
  • Analyst specializing in emerging, organized, or cybercrime
  • Counter-terrorism analyst

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time is 180 points, 1.5 years.

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered are Hamilton.

Area of Study

This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under, which is the Institute for Security and Crime Science.

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in is Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July).

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato:

1. NCEA University Entrance
2. Admission at entrance level
3. Discretionary entrance
4. University Entrance prior to 2015
5. Special admission.

For admission in the MSCS, students will need to have completed a relevant bachelor's degree or postgraduate diploma with at least a B or higher in their final year majoring papers.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Security and Crime Science will demonstrate the following capabilities:

1. Advanced problem-solving and innovation: Diagnose complex crime and security problems using evidence-based and systems-oriented approaches. Propose the design, implementation, and evaluation of prevention strategies grounded in scientific reasoning and ethical practice. Apply creative, data-driven, and multidisciplinary methods to enhance public safety.
2. Evidence-based practice and research literacy: Critically assess and synthesize empirical evidence to inform policy and practice. Conduct independent or collaborative research projects that contribute to the understanding of security, crime prevention, harm reduction, and public safety. Communicate findings clearly and persuasively to professional, policy, and academic audiences.
3. Ethical and cultural competence: Integrate ethical, legal, and cultural considerations into all aspects of security and crime science practice. Demonstrate understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural foundations and the relevance of mātauranga Māori to concepts of harm, guardianship, and collective wellbeing.
4. Leadership and strategic thinking: Apply systems thinking and strategic analysis to anticipate emerging risks and coordinate preventive responses. Lead multidisciplinary teams and foster organizational cultures that value evidence, equity, and continuous learning.

Paper Details

Unless a student is approved to take CRSCI594, the compulsory papers for the MSCS degree are CRSCI501, CRSCI502, IRSST505, MAORI518, PSYCH544, and the 60-point dissertation CRSCI592. Students enrolled in a 180-point Master of Security and Crime Science will take the compulsory papers and another 45 points of papers from those prescribed in the Security and Crime Science entry in the University of Waikato Subject Regulations. Depending on your previous study, students who have an honors degree or a postgraduate diploma may be given a waiver on 15 points of the compulsory taught papers required for the Master of Security and Crime Science.