International Security

Coursework

The Master of International Security is offered within the Department of Government and International Relations.

The International Security programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills relevant to understanding both traditional and emerging security challenges, drawing on a wide range of disciplinary fields including defence, international relations, strategic studies, political science, economics, environmental studies, law, business, public health, biology, and demography.

International security traverses a complex and frequently interconnected set of issues that have great salience for the world in which we live. They range from the causes and consequences of war between states to ethnic, religious, and ideological conflicts. They also include threats to human security and the stability of states from environmental degradation, infectious diseases, climate change, and the activities of non-state actors.

Graduates will be well equipped to develop rewarding career paths in international security, in both the public and private sectors as well as with international and non-government organisations.

Research

There are currently no research degrees offered in International Security, but potential applicants are referred to the Government and International Relations section of the postgraduate handbook.

Awards and Requirements

Please refer to the degree resolutions in this Handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.

Graduate Certificate in International Security
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in International Security are required to complete 24 credit points of core units of study.

Graduate Diploma in International Security
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in International Security are required to complete 48 credit points including:

• a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study
• a minimum of 12 credit points of core elective units of study
• a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study

Master of International Security
Candidates for the Master of International Security are required to complete 96 credit points including:

• a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study
• a minimum of 18 credit points from core elective units of study
• a maximum of 48 credit points from elective units of study, which can include an optional specialisation as listed in the unit of study table
• a minimum of 6 credit points from capstone units of study

Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.

All candidates for the Master of International Security are required to complete a capstone designed to build independent research capacity. Students complete one of the following two capstone options:

• a semester-long research project by enrolling in GOVT6127 Research Project; OR
• a year-long dissertation project, including GOVT6139 Research Design, followed by GOVT6340 Dissertation Part I and GOVT6341 Dissertation Part II. Completing this dissertation would prepare students to enrol in a PhD in Government and International Relations. This path is generally suitable only for students completing 72 or 96 credit points. Note that GOVT6139 is preparation for the Dissertation. It is not itself a Dissertation unit, and can be taken by any student enrolled in Government and International Relations postgraduate coursework degrees.

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