The International Security Studies courses cover a broad spectrum of traditional and non-traditional security issues examined from a regional and global context. Following the Australian government's expanded definition of national security to encompass an all-hazards approach, the field of security issues is no longer limited to traditional security threats such as, military threats, terrorism, law enforcement and critical infrastructure protection, it also includes non-traditional security threats such as pandemics, natural disasters, humanitarian intervention, economic security and environmental security. This postgraduate program examines the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that tend to explain the security landscape relative to geopolitical security interest.
Course Objectives
On completion of the International Security Studies course, students will have:
1. Displayed engagement with the field of Security Studies through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
2. Investigated a substantial body of Security Studies literature.
3. Formulated an awareness of context, particularly an understanding of cultural diversity and different cultural conventions and practices as they relate to the field.
4. Demonstrated higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written arguments cogently and coherently.
5. Modeled research skills, in particular, the ability to select appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.
Career Outcomes
Graduates may find employment with, defence forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement. There are also opportunities in the private security industry and the cyber security sector.
Eligibility
The International Security Studies course has two entrance pathways:
Academic
Applicants require an undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
OR
Business and work experience
Applicants who do not have an academic qualification but have at least 5 years relevant work experience (experience in a defence intelligence or law enforcement role requiring research and report writing skills) may gain entry to the course by first completing the Postgraduate Certificate, then progressing to the Postgraduate Diploma and articulating up to the Masters course.
Students enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate must submit a fresh application at completion if they wish to articulate to the Postgraduate Diploma. Similarly, students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma need to submit a fresh application at completion to articulate to the Masters course.
International students need IELTS of 6.5.
How to Apply
This course is restricted. Students are required to apply and be approved by Macquarie University before they can enrol in units through OUA.
Students will need to submit an application form by mail with originals or certified copies and evidence of their previous degrees and academic transcripts.
Applications for the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master of International Security Studies are due two weeks before the close of enrolment.
Please complete the application form below.
Macquarie_Postgraduate_Application_Form
(PDF, 438 KB)
Applications should be mailed to:
OUA Program Manager
Centre for Open Education
Macquarie University
NSW 2109
Award Requirements
To qualify for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in International Security Studies students must complete three units, including two Stream A units and one Stream B unit.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit
Applicants should contact the course coordinator for information about Credit policies at Macquarie University.
Recommended Study Pattern
Postgraduate Certificate students must complete two units from Stream A and one unit from Stream B.
From 2012 some PIC units have been retitled as indicated in the Course Structure below: PIC831; PIC841; PIC880; PIC910 and students who have completed any of these PIC units should not enrol in the re-titled unit
Please note: It is not recommended to enrol in more than 2 units per Study Period or Session.
Related Courses
This course sits within a group of courses, giving you the flexibility to study towards different levels of qualification. The courses are listed from the highest to the lowest qualification.
