Military and Defence Studies

The Masters of Military and Defence Studies is offered in conjunction with the Australian Command and Staff Course (Joint) at the Australian Command and Staff College. It is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the following areas of practice:

• Strategy and Operations;
• Australian Defence Policy;
• Military Operations, Leadership and Command; or
• Australia and the Use of Force

Entry is restricted to students who are posted as course members to the Australian Command and Staff College

Career Options

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge and specialised cognitive skills in Military and Defence Studies, with an integrated understanding of the conduct of military operations, its relation to government policy, and military capability.  
2. Be able to analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information relating to the conduct of military operations, research and apply established theories and concepts and exercise expert judgement in military, defence or policy contexts.

The Master of Military and Defence Studies requires the completion of 72 units, which must consist of:

72 units from completion of courses from the following list:

STST8100 Australian Foreign and Defence Policy

STST8101 Australia's Strategic Environment

STST8102 Strategy

STST8104 Operations II

STST8105 Operations III

STST8106 Operations I

STST8107 International Law and Operations

STST8108 Special Topic in Military and Defence Studies

STST8117 Leadership and Command

STST8119 Australian Capability and Defence Organisation

Specialisations

• Australia and the use of Force
• Australian Defence Policy

• Military Operations, Leadership and Command
• Strategy and Operations

An AQF Level 7 or 8 qualification or international equivalent in a cognate discipline

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students

This degree is only open to selected personnel who have been posted to the Australian Command and Staff College.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.