National Security Policy

The Master of National Security Policy at the Australian National University offers an in-depth exploration of the complex and dynamic world of national security. Designed for students interested in understanding the strategies, policies, and frameworks that underpin the security of nations in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable global environment, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students will examine a broad range of topics, including intelligence and counterintelligence, cybersecurity, terrorism and counter-terrorism, military strategy, regional security issues, conflict resolution, and the role of international organizations in maintaining peace and stability. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling graduates to assess security threats and develop effective policy responses. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, case studies, and policy analysis, students will gain insights into both the strategic considerations of national security and the operational challenges faced by security agencies. The program also offers opportunities for engagement with government agencies, security practitioners, and academic experts, fostering a multidisciplinary approach crucial for understanding contemporary security issues. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in government, intelligence agencies, defense organizations, international organizations, research institutions, and policy think tanks. The Master of National Security Policy at ANU reflects the university’s commitment to addressing global security challenges and preparing the next generation of security leaders. With a strong emphasis on research and policy development, this program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to national and international security strategies, ensuring they are ready to meet the evolving threats of the 21st century.

The Master of National Security Policy requires the completion of 96 units which must consist of:

36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

INTR8032 Global Security

INTR8065 Writing International Relations

NSPO8006 National Security Policymaking

NSPO8007 National Security: Concepts and Challenges

NSPO8020 Research Methods

NSPO8022 Selected Topic in National Security Policy

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

NSPO8004 National Security Leadership and Risk Management

NSPO8017 Malicious Networks: Transnational Terrorism and Crime

NSPO8018 The Evolution of National Security Policy since 1945

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

NSPO8010 Civil-Military Relations

NSPO8013 Disease, Security and Biological Weapons

NSPO8015 Asian Regionalism and Security: Implications for Australia

NSPO8016 Governance, State Weakness and Human Security in Asia

NSPO8019 Sectarianism and Religiously Motivated Violence

36 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ANTH8032 Law, Order and Conflict in the Pacific

ANTH8043 Conflict and Development in the Pacific

CRWF8006 International Climate Change Policy and Economics

CRWF8016 Food Wars: Food Security and Agricultural Policy

DIPL8006 Diplomacy, Politics and the United Nations

INTR8062 Humanitarianism in World Politics

INTR8065 Writing International Relations

INTR8067 U.S. Security Policy in the Asia-Pacific

MEAS8111 Islam, the West and International Terrorism

NSPO8004 National Security Leadership and Risk Management

NSPO8010 Civil-Military Relations

                    NSPO8012 Strategy Planning in National Security Crises

NSPO8013 Disease, Security and Biological Weapons

NSPO8014 Ethics and Technologies of War

NSPO8015 Asian Regionalism and Security: Implications for Australia

NSPO8016 Governance, State Weakness and Human Security in Asia

NSPO8017 Malicious Networks: Transnational Terrorism and Crime

NSPO8018 The Evolution of National Security Policy since 1945

NSPO8019 Sectarianism and Religiously Motivated Violence

NSPO8021 Statecraft and national security in cyberspace

POGO8037 Writing Public Policy

POGO8045 International Policymaking in the shadow of the Future

STST8001 Strategic Studies

STST8002 Grand Strategies in the Asia-Pacific

STST8004 Australian Strategic and Defence Policy

STST8013 China's Defence and Strategic Challenges

STST8021 Intelligence and Security

STST8026 Nuclear Strategy in the Asian Century

STST8027 Insurgency & Counterinsurgency in an Age of Terror

STST8051 Great and Powerful Friends: Strategic alliances and Australian security

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (one semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (one year) of credit.

Credit may be available for relevant work experience.

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.

The Master of National Security Policy at the Australian National University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complexities of national and international security issues. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, allowing graduates to analyze and develop strategies for addressing contemporary security challenges faced by nations, particularly Australia. Students engage with topics such as terrorism, cybersecurity, intelligence, diplomacy, defense policy, and regional security dynamics, preparing them for roles in government, defense, intelligence agencies, and international organizations. The program emphasizes critical analysis of policy processes, strategic thinking, and the development of policy proposals grounded in rigorous research. Students have access to expert faculty members with extensive experience in security studies, policy analysis, and diplomatic affairs. The ANU's location and its strong links with government and security agencies provide valuable opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world engagement. The program's interdisciplinary approach incorporates political science, international relations, law, and history, offering a well-rounded perspective on national security issues. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute effectively to policy formulation, strategic planning, and security operations at national and international levels. The program typically involves coursework, research components, and a capstone project or thesis that enables students to explore specific security challenges in depth. By combining academic rigor with practical relevance, the Master of National Security Policy prepares students for careers in the fast-evolving field of security and defense policy, emphasizing ethical considerations, strategic foresight, and multi-stakeholder engagement.