Security Studies

At no other point in history has our world experienced a set of security challenges to the extent to which it does today. Because of this, governments and businesses need security analysts with the knowledge, skills and creativity to respond to such dynamic and complex challenges.

Our practice-oriented course will prepare you to meet the needs of this rapidly changing sector by teaching you about security from a range of perspectives, including risk management, emergency response, national resilience, business continuity planning, law enforcement and the use of military force.

Key features

• This course combines academic study of security theories and issues with practical, analytical and technical skills.
• You’ll develop the practical skills in critical thinking, structured intelligence analysis and policy evaluation needed for effective security analysis in government and business.
• You’ll use real-world analytical techniques to examine contemporary security challenges.
• You’ll gain experience in operational planning, innovation and policy evaluation by using scenario exercises and dynamic simulations.

Specific minimum requirements:

The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this degree

100 level

• Introduction to Security Studies 
• Security in an Age of Risk 
• Strategy and Security in the Indo-Pacific
• Terrorism in the 21st Century
• Principles of Management 
• Introduction to Database Design and Management
• Law, Human Rights and Global Governance

200 level

• Intelligence and Counter Intelligence
• National Security: Policy and Strategy
• Modern Warfare 
• National Resilience: Crisis Response and Emergency Management 
• Business Ethics and Risk Management
• Crime, Policy and Governance
• Fundamentals of Business Analytics 
• Australian Governments and Public Policy 

300 level

• Ethics of Security 
• Insecurity and Development 
• Cyber Security in Practice 
• Strategies of Political Violence 
• Strategic Management 
• Social Innovation, Governance and Professional Leadership 
• Advanced Analytics Techniques
• Creating New States

To be eligible to apply to Macquarie University for an undergraduate program, you must have one of the following:

• A recognised secondary (high school) qualification
• A recognised University Foundation course
• A recognised two or three year Diploma
• At least one year of a university degree from a recognised institution

English language requirements

IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent

All applicants for undergraduate or postgraduate coursework studies at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

You may satisfy the English language requirements if you have completed:

• senior secondary studies equivalent to the NSW HSC
• one year of Australian or comparable tertiary study in a country of qualification

The university offers scholarships to students to address financial need or hardship, academic excellence, sporting achievement and in recognition of outstanding character. It can also provide financial assistance with loans and grants to students who have difficulty with basic living expenses and help with fees. Each year Macquarie University awards around $2.5 million in scholarships, most of which are given on the basis of financial need or other hardship.