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Study postgraduate online with Macquarie University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

In studying this course you will have in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of intelligence studies; the evolution of Australia’s intelligence community; and the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges for intelligence. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse intelligence challenges, based on real world examples. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in Intelligence theory and practices. Elective choice allows you to also focus on other aspects of security, including counter terrorism, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Dive deep into real world global intelligence issues. Secure practical skills analysing intelligence challenges. Think critically and make ethical judgements.

Master of Intelligence

In studying this course you will develop an understanding of the different dimensions of security issues and criminology. All units are provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology and focus on synthesising the latest developments in security studies and criminology. These units of study will provide you an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level.

Study national and global security issues and criminology. Delve into online terrorism and the intelligence tradecraft. Secure skills to critically apply criminal research. Make ethical and socially informed decisions about complex problems.

Graduate Certificate of Security Studies and Criminology

In a changing international and strategic environment, there is a growing demand for people with specialised knowledge in security and strategic studies. In studying this course you will have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of security and strategy studies. This includes in-depth knowledge of Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st Century. The course further seeks to equip you with practical skills in terms of thinking through complex security problems in a systematic way in order to enhance your employment opportunities. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in security and strategic studies. They will provide you with an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level. The elective units will allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including cyber security, counter terrorism, intelligence and criminology.

Understand and unlock complex security problems. Develop an in-depth knowledge about Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st century. Choose your specialisation and focus on the latest developments. Think critically and ethically.

Master of Security and Strategic Studies

In studying this course you will develop an in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of counter terrorism studies; the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges related to terrorism and its implications for counter terrorism approaches and policies; and the evolution of Australia’s counter terrorism strategies and policies. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse counter terrorism challenges, based on real world examples. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in counter terrorism theory and practices. The elective units allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including intelligence, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Investigate domestic, regional and international counter terrorism practices and strategies. Secure a practical skillset analysing worldwide counter terrorism methods and tactics. Acquire intelligence, cyber security and criminology knowledge. Make ethical and social judgements.

Master of Counter Terrorism

Australia and Cyber Intelligence

Applied Cyber Security

Intelligence Analysis

Intelligence : Theory and Practice

History of Intelligence

Strategic Thinking

The Intelligence Community in Australia

Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare

Introduction to Security Studies

Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism

This subject is previously known as PICX849 Cyber Policing and Intelligence in AustraliaCyberspace has become a major site for different forms of warfare and coercion, ranging from cyber disruption, through information compromise, all the way to covert information operations on a national level. In this unit students learn how robust cyber intelligence can be used to enhance the often-reactive posture of cyber security. This includes understanding the role of cyber intelligence and counterintelligence within the broad, integrated configuration of cyber-security. Students will learn fundamental intelligence collection and analysis principles and apply them to a cyber-security context.

Examine cyber policing from an intelligence-led policing perspective by looking at cybercrime, jurisdictions and extradition, information sharing, collaboration and cyber policing challenges

This subject was previously known as PICX844 Intelligence Analysis
This subject provides students with a deeper appreciation of the complexities of advanced intelligence analysis and exposure to the analytical tools and methodologies that will help them better understand and potentially contribute as intelligence professionals. In a globalised and dynamic security environment, students will be challenged to consider newer asymmetric threats and risks, as well as more traditional military and security challenges in an analytical context. Students will apply what they have learned to conceptualise, design, and build intelligence analytical products, providing real-world focus and experience and will also consider &quot;futures&quot; (foresight and scenario planning) in intelligence.

An advanced exploration of the analytical tools and methodologies used by intelligence professionals. Design and build intelligence analytical products to give a real-world focus to your study, including foresight and scenario planning.

This subject was previously known as PICX813 The History of Intelligence
This subject considers how and why the practices of intelligence professionals and the organisations in which those professionals work have changed over time. It covers both ancient and modern intelligence, but focuses mostly on the post-World War II era. In surveying this history of intelligence as part of the broader development of national security policies and institutions, the subject provides context for some of the debates and discussions around intelligence today. In closely examining selected case studies of intelligence success and failure, students will develop their own skills in historical and analytical thinking - skills that are integral elements of intelligence tradecraft

Gain a thorough understanding of the history of intelligence via political, economic, social, technological and military perspectives. Research and evaluate the advance of technology and how it has affected intelligence collection and analysis.

This subject is previously known as PICX848 Applied Cyber Security.
In today’s world, organisations must be able to protect and defend against threats in cyberspace. This subject provides a solid understanding of the theory and practice used to manage information security on computer systems and networks. Students will be exposed to multiple cyber security technologies, processes and procedures, learn how to analyse threats, vulnerabilities and risks present in these environments, and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate potential cyber security problems. Topics include: an overview of computer and communications security, risk assessment, human factors, identification and authentication, access controls, malicious software, software security and legal and ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to use tools and software commonly used to attack/protect networks  in order to develop workplace skills. .

Gain an overview of communications security, risk assessment, human factors, authentication, malicious software, software security and legal and ethical issues for a comprehensive understanding of cyber security threats.

The subject was formerly known as PICX860 Geopolitics and Geostrategy
The international security order is in a period of rapid transformation. This subject examines the major global geopolitical trends, including in the Indo-Pacific, the greater Middle East, Europe, as well as Latin America and Africa. It also analyses the influence of those dynamics on the geostrategies of key countries. Aside from exposing students to the concept of geopolitics as an analytical instrument, the subject will deal with a series of case studies, including the evolving US-Sino rivalry; the Sino-India great power game; the geopolitics of Southeast Asia; the rise of Iran, and the emerging roles of Saudi Arabia and Turkey; the question of the re-emergence of Russia and Germany as great powers; and the Subjected Kingdom in times of Brexit. The subject will provide students with in-depth understanding about the key contemporary global geostrategic dynamics and the implications for regional and international stability.

Get a global perspective on the political issues that affect places like the Middle East and Europe. Flick through case studies from across the years. Discuss contemporary points such as Brexit and the re-emergence of Russia and Germany’s power.

Geopolitics and Geostrategy

This subject was previously known as PICX802 Terrorism
Few security issues define our times more than that of terrorism. This subject provides a solid foundation for terrorism studies, encouraging students to build a thorough understanding of the definitions, origins, and history of terrorism around the world, and considering terrorism as a tactic, as a strategy, and as a mode of communication. Students will explore the wider effects that terrorist discourse plays in contemporary global society, including debates around local, regional and global responses, terrorist overreach, and state overreaction. The subject will also critically examine a series of key themes and questions in terrorism studies such as religion and terrorism, state sponsored terrorism, the future of terrorism, and how academics can best conduct terrorism field research.

Research the history of terrorism around the world. Decipher modern terrorism tactics, strategies and communication methods. Question regional and global responses, terrorist overreach and state overreaction.

Advanced Terrorism Studies

The subject was previously know as PICX812 Critical Thought and Research Design
This subject is a graduate seminar that provides training for student proficiency in critical thinking and research design. The degree content utilises inter-disciplinary approaches and methods for the social sciences. Students will practice advanced reading and writing skills, examine the logic of inquiry, investigate methodologies and theoretical approaches, and evaluate diverse sources. Students will then progress to applying their advanced research skills through critical thinking and problem-solving. They will examine what are concepts and measures, how to understand causation and correlation, as well as use and apply qualitative, quantitative and multi-methods research. Students will be assessed based on their application of skills to practice, both in formulating research design and presenting their research for broader consumption.

Hone your reading, writing and analytical skills. Select key sources and investigate their worth using established methodologies. Sharpen your ability to logically break down evidence. Apply what you’ve learnt and develop a strategic research design.

Critical Thought and Research Design

This subject is previously known as PICX845 Intelligence Theory and Practice.
This subject exposes students to the diverse areas of intelligence and to intelligence process methodologies in a variety of contexts. It discusses the essential characteristics of intelligence systems and examines how the intelligence function fits within a dynamic national security context, situating the intelligence function within the Law Enforcement, Foreign, National Security and Military domains. The subject examines the Australian and selected international intelligence communities.

Recognise how the intelligence function sits within the dynamic contexts of national security, law enforcement, military and foreign domains. Compare Australian and selected international intelligence communities. 

This subject is previously known as PICX921 Australia&#39;s Strategic and Defence PolicyThe rise of China and India to great power status, arms modernisation trends across the region and unresolved territorial disputes in the South China Sea are collectively producing an unprecedented period of uncertainty in Australian defence policymaking. Against this backdrop, Australia&#39;s major ally, the United States, is increasingly expecting its allies and partners to play a more active role in the region. Consequently, the debate over Australia&#39;s strategic and defence policy choices has intensified in recent years. This unit investigates the current debates in Australia’s strategic and defence policy. Students will not only explore how external developments are shaping defence policy, but also look internally into the process of how Australian defence policymaking is created. In particular, this unit will examine the bureaucratic politics within the Department of Defence and between the three Services (Navy, Army and Air Force) when shaping defence policy.

Consider Australia’s strategic and defence policy since federation, and the decision-making process of the ADF and alliances such as ANZUS. Judge policy concepts and defence economics by evaluating white papers and force posture reviews.

Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy

This subject was formerly known as PICX837 Terrorism Dynamics
This subject examines the complex webs of networks and relationships involved in the development and evolution of violent extremism. These dynamics will be examined through a socio-cultural theoretical framework that draws upon contemporary terrorist scholarship including social media analysis and facilitates a critical examination of violent extremism. The subject will expose students to the complex web of socio-cultural, psychological, ideological, political and economic dynamics that produce, sustain, evolve and dissolve terrorism and violent extremism. Real world case-studies drawing on violent extremist activities, counter policies and initiatives will assist students in the formulation of sustained and persuasive arguments and techniques relating to current and future trends and patterns in the field of terrorist studies.  The subject will establish a strong grounding in the theoretical constructs and techniques for a future career in the broader security discipline.

Consider the supporting dynamics of terrorism including ideology, communication channels, financing, criminal networks and logistics. Analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism.

Course results for Macquarie University Postgraduate Security & counter terrorism Subjects

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