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University Study - how difficult can it be?
10 April 2007
How many of you are developing your military career through study in the Defence Studies programmes offered through Massey University? Considering the process to apply for Army funded study is straight forward, as well as the benefit of gaining a formal qualification is invaluable, the hardest part for most people is making a commitment to start.
Many of you may think that learning about the profession of arms by studying extramurally is a difficult task. But learning is a lifelong event, and lifelong learning is achievable for everyone. If you think you are too old or do not have the school entry qualifications to access university, then you are also wrong. Military Studies Institute staff can guide you through the application process and if you are not quite ready for university study, they can help prepare you for future enrolment.
There are three main programmes offered: the Certificate of Arts in Defence Studies, the Bachelor of Defence Studies and the Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies. All of these programmes can be applied for through the Military Studies Institute, if you have approval to start Category B study. MD68 or 125A assessment letters can be used to show whether or not pre-approval to undertake Category B study has been given. To get started, all applications must go through the MSI.
CAPT Nathan Graham, AO, HQ MSI
“While starting university study as an adult may seem daunting, life experiences and maturity can make it all the more rewarding. My own academic journey started at age 25, 10 years after leaving formal schooling. A Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Psychology and Adult Education, opened the door to becoming part of RNZAEC (Education Corps). Since that time I have never looked back, as I have maintained my studies in the Army, both here and overseas (when deployed).
“Five years ago, I started the Master of Philosophy, which highlighted Defence issues that I would not have known about had I not studied in the programme. After completing eight papers over the last five years, extramurally, I was able to successfully complete my Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies, graduating this year.”
CAPT Mark Richards, ED, OC 2 HST, 2 HSB (NZ)
Captain Richards started the Bachelor of Defence Studies (BDefStud) degree in 2000. Since then he has completed either two single semester papers each semester or two double semester papers each year, extramurally. He said one benefit was getting “RPL” (Recognition of Prior Learning) for nine of the 24 BDefStud papers he has completed so far.
“For me, the beauty of the BDefStud programme is that I have been able to choose Schedule B papers relevant to my positions. For instance, while working in PR (Public Relations) I completed four PR/communications-related papers. While working at MS Branch I did an HR (human resources) paper, and now that I am working with Health Services I have completed one Health-related paper. The BDefStud is a great programme. It provides an excellent overview of defence-related subjects, and gives you the flexibility to choose papers that you are interested in from Schedule B.”
CAPT Marc Schmid, ADJT, 7 Wn HB
CAPT Schmid enrolled in the BDefStud programme in 1999. He says completing two papers a year is definitely manageable. He enjoys the variety of subjects that the programme provides. He said, “Learning about subjects such as international relations and military and society has provided me with a greater understanding of why we are often deployed on operations”. Other benefits he refers to include being able to choose from a wide range of elective papers as he was able to study two HR papers that provided him further depth when added to command and leadership papers.
LT Tony Warren, OPS/O, 2 WKSP COY, 2 Log Bn
LT Warren began studying at OCS(NZ) in 2004, starting with “An Introduction to the History of Warfare”, a BDefStud paper. He says a lot of people incorrectly think that BDefStud is limited to military history, but Category B options include papers such as “Marketing for Non-Marketers” and “Modern New Zealand Politics”, which he studied last year. LT Warren said, “It’s a relatively simple process to apply for Army Education Board funding, and getting a degree at Army expense is just another benefit of being in”.
LT Warren intends to study further papers relating to tactics and logistics but for the next few years he will have to manage this around his corps trade courses.
SGT Craig Barraclough, NZLAV SGT, W COY, 1 RNZIR
SGT Barraclough is studying towards the Certificate of Arts in Defence Studies. SGT Barraclough enrolled in the programme in 2003 and has continued to maintain his studies. He will complete his last paper to graduate with the certificate, which consists of eight university papers. He says he knows it takes hard work to successfully meet each paper requirement, but says it is an achievable goal if you put the effort in.
This page was last reviewed on 30 April 2007 and is current.
