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 international relations, strategic studies, political science, defence, development studies, 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 broader threats to human security and the stability of states from environmental degradation, infectious diseases, climate change, poverty, misinformation, 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.
Awards and requirements
Please refer to the course rules in this Handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
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 selective 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
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 selective units of study
- a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study
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.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the Master of International Security, a student will be able to:
| No. | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the disciplinary or practice developments in international security. |
| 2 | Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and methods specific to international security, and identify and apply appropriate research methods. |
| 3 | Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate primary and secondary source materials, and evaluate the relevance and validity of these sources. |
| 4 | Conduct critical analysis collaboratively to respond to current domestic and world events related to the study of security. |
| 5 | Analyse and apply creative thought to complex problems in both written and oral assessment tasks, including collaborative group work. |
| 6 | Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to convery complex theoretical and empirical problems to a policy audience. |
| 7 | Identify and evaluate literature in relation to a particular theoretical and empirical research question. |
| 8 | Demonstrate the capacity to approach a topic analytically, creatively and critically through an independent piece of research in international security studies. |
Reduced volume of learning (RVL)
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.
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete | Requirements for completion of degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 eg a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1.5 years | 72 |
- a minimum of 24 credit points of core units - a minimum of 18 credit points of selective units - a maximum of 24 credit points of elective units - a minimum of 6 credit points of capstone units A specialisation may be included as per the unit of study table |
| Relevant professional experience | N/A | N/A |
Reduction in requirements may be granted on a case by case basis by Departmental approval up to a maximum of 24 credit points. Please note that a reduction on this basis cannot be applied in addition to a reduction on the basis of other qualifications.
|
| AQF Level 8 eg Honours in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1 year | 48 |
- a minimum of 12 credit points of core units - a minimum of 18 credit points of selective units - a maximum of 12 credit points of elective units - a minimum of 6 credit points of capstone units |
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.