Bachelor of Security Studies

On successful completion you will be able to

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the diverse range of contemporary and emerging security threats to national, international and human security.
2. Understand the major theoretical paradigms, core concepts and analytical methods in the field of security studies and apply this knowledge to real-world cases and specific issue areas.
3. Understand the broader international and historical context of current debates in security studies and national security.
4. Describe the methodologies, procedures, and practices relevant to contemporary security sector processes of risk analysis, policy formulation, organisational cooperation, and practical implementation.
5. Identify key security actors, agencies and institutions; explain their roles, functions, interests and strategies in relation to each other, external stakeholders and adversaries; and appreciate the political, legal and ethical contexts that shape their behaviour.
6. Critically evaluate the practical effectiveness, cost efficiency and ethical acceptability of different policy responses to traditional and non-traditional security challenges from the tactical to strategic levels.
7. Demonstrate excellent communication skills to convey complex security issues in an effective, clear and logical manner relevant to different professional contexts and audiences.
8. Evaluate inter-disciplinary knowledge from diverse sources to produce rigorous academic work on a range of contemporary security issues.
9. Develop and present theoretically and empirically informed assessments, practical recommendations, and innovative solutions regarding complex security challenges through written assessments and active course participation.
10. Demonstrate appreciation and application of ethical principles and standards concerning issues of social responsibility, personal integrity and acceptance of diversity pertinent to modern professional practice in preparation for graduate employment.

The Bachelor of Security Studies (OUA) will develop your knowledge and analytical skills to identify and address traditional and non-traditional security threats from both national and international perspectives.

The course presents a systematic approach to security studies that covers the key conceptual approaches to identifying and managing security challenges and the diverse threats facing Australia, its region and the world in the twenty-first century. The broad scope of the course reflects the Australian government's expanded definition of national security and targets industry needs for graduate skills and capabilities.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to complete 24 subjects as prescribed below.

CORE ZONE

Essential subjects

• PHIX1037 - Critical Thinking
• PICX1010 - Introduction to Security Studies
• PICX1011 - New Security Challenges
• PICX1012 - Strategy and Security in the Indo-Pacific
• PICX1014 - International Security in the 20^th Century
• PICX2001 - Cyber Crime
• PICX2010 - Intelligence and Counter Intelligence
• PICX2012 - Modern Warfare
• PICX2013 - Crisis Management and Disaster Relief
• PICX2015 -Terrorism and Counterterrorism in the 21st Century
• PICX3011 - Cyber Security in Practice
• PICX3012 - Intelligence Policy
• PICX3013 - Strategies of Political Violence and Counter Terrorism
• PICX3014 - Australian National Security
• PICX3020 - Ethical Practice in Security Studies

Capstone Subject: 

• PICX3015- Security Policy Analysis Current and Emerging Issues

FLEXIBLE ZONE

8 Elective subjects

You can use your flexible zone to enrol in any subject for which you meet the pre-requisites.

TOTAL SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM: 24

Award requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects of study, comprised of

• 16 core subjects
• 8 electives

The degree will normally be of three years duration for full-time students, but part-time students may take longer.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students must complete can complete 80 credit points (8 subjects) from any subject for which they meet the prerequisites.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Zone: Essential Subjects

• Core Zone: Essential Capstone Subject

Students are eligible to register for this degree after successfully completing at least 2 subjects from the degree with a credit average, or passing four subjects from the degree. Registration is free for all students.

Please be advised that as from Session 1, 2020, Commonwealth Supported Place (CS) and HECS are not available for this degree for new students. However, subject to your eligibility, other HELP loans may be available. Students who have already been admitted into a Commonwealth Supported Place will not be affected by this change.

Once registered you will receive the degree structure that you must follow to achieve the qualification.

Please contact Macquarie for further enquiries.

Note:

Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.

Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.

Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $44,125

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

• 4 OUA Undergraduate subjects at pass level from any OUA provider; OR
• 2 OUA Undergraduate subjects at credit grade level from any OUA provider; OR

A competitive ATAR of 75, a Selection Rank of 75 or equivalent  OP of 12.

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

All applicants for undergraduate 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

For more information see English Language Requirements.

If you have completed prior study at Diploma level or higher, you may be eligible for credit towards your Bachelor at Macquarie which can reduce the duration of your program.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University and OUA offer a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others.

 All unit materials are delivered fully online. Students with special needs can apply for alternative assessment arrangements. Contact us at Macquarie Student Admin.