The Master of Arts involves advanced study in an Arts subject and is intended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject. The degree also includes a substantial component of independent research. Are you seeking the ability to think critically and communicate well? A Master of Arts (MA) from Waikato will teach you the skills to work independently and see a major project through to completion. These are characteristics that are highly sought after by employers. Enrolling in a MA gives you the opportunity to engage in independent (but supervised) research in one or more of a wide range of Arts subjects. Graduating with an MA provides you with a gateway to a higher research degree or to a wide range of careers. International Relations and Security Studies Studying International Relations and Security Studies at Waikato includes aspects of international law and trade, and focuses on particular regions of concern (notably, the Middle-East and South-East Asia). A wide range of different length dissertations and theses can be undertaken allowing you to focus on an area of special interest. Like most states, New Zealand depends for its security and prosperity on regional and international stability. Its political, economic and societal well-being can be affected by, for example, major power relations; global financial crisis; and the rise of violent extremist non-state actors and the responses to them. As a good international citizen, New Zealand seeks to play a role in the international institutions which try to uphold international law and order and to contribute to international stabilisation operations in various countries. Given the significance of such issues, International Relations and Security Studies is available as a specialisation within the Political Science major. Career opportunities Diplomat Foreign Policy Analyst International Defence Relations Officer National Assessments Bureau National and International NGOs New Zealand Defence Force Officer Security and Intelligence Officer