Warning! There have been changes to the course - please refer to the transition information
Undergraduate MAQ-BSS-DEG-2023
Bachelor of Security Studies
A degree designed in consultation with security industry stakeholders
Scrutinise risk analysis, intelligence, emergency responses and national resilience. Apply analytical tools to contemporary security, defence and policy challenges. Graduates pursue government graduate intake programs or careers in the private sector.
Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Study method
100% online
Price
From
$39,840
Total subjects
24
Assessments
100% online
Credit available
Yes
Applications Close
- 26 Nov 23
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.
Explore Macquarie courses.
QS Ranking 2023
14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
10
Need help?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with:
- Enrolling and eligibility
- Fee and loan information
- Credit and recognition for prior learning
When would you like to chat?
Let me pick a time
Find a time that suits you for a free 1:1 consultation.
Call me anytime
An advisor will call you, usually within 30 minutes.
Degree structure
Core subjects
Major subjects
Elective subjects
Degree
Degree details
What you'll learn
On successful completion you will be able to
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the diverse range of contemporary and emerging security threats to national, international and human security.
- 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.
- Understand the broader international and historical context of current debates in security studies and national security.
- Describe the methodologies, procedures, and practices relevant to contemporary security sector processes of risk analysis, policy formulation, organisational cooperation, and practical implementation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills to convey complex security issues in an effective, clear and logical manner relevant to different professional contexts and audiences.
- Evaluate inter-disciplinary knowledge from diverse sources to produce rigorous academic work on a range of contemporary security issues.
- Develop and present theoretically and empirically informed assessments, practical recommendations, and innovative solutions regarding complex security challenges through written assessments and active course participation.
- 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.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Security Studies has been designed to meet the needs of public and private sector employers in the security field. It is ideal for prospective students who want to enter the workforce as a security analyst in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.
The core content of the program is designed to give graduates a strong knowledge and skill base to make them attractive candidates for government graduate programs, entry into commercial enterprises with large operations, private consultancies, non-governmental organisations, statute authorities or any organisation which regularly deals with actors in the security field.
Entry requirements
Higher education via OUA
- 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
Higher education
Detailed information regarding Macquarie Admissions can be found here:
http://www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/undergraduate/macquarie-entry
Secondary education
A competitive ATAR of 75, a Selection Rank of 75 or equivalent OP of 12.
English Proficiency Requirements
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.
Special requirements
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 https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services
Credit for previous study or work
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.
Description
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.
Degree structure details
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 20th Century
- PICX2001 - Cyber Crime
- PICX2010 - Intelligence and Counter Intelligence
- PICX2012 - Modern Warfare
- PICX2013 - Crisis Management and Disaster Relief
- PICX2015 - Terrorism in the 21st Century
- PICX3011 - Cyber Security in Practice
- PICX3012 - Intelligence Policy
- PICX3013 - Strategies of Political Violence and Counter Terrorism
- PICX3014 - Australian National Security
- PICX3015 - Security Policy Analysis: Current and Emerging Issues
Capstone Subject:
- PICX3020 - Ethical Practice in Security Studies
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.
Registering in this degree
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 us at https://ask.mq.edu.au 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.
https://students.mq.edu.au/study/faculties/open-universities-australia/degree-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.
Transition arrangements
All students registering in the Bachelor of Security Studies must complete the structure at the time of registration. Retired units that have been completed will be counted towards the degree. Please contact Macquarie University for further assistance at https://ask.mq.edu.au
Changes in 2020
From 2020 the Macquarie unit codes have changed. All units previously studied under the old unit code will be recognised as equivalent.
Students who have been admitted into a degree program prior to 2020 will follow the degree structure in place at the time/year of their degree registration with Macquarie University. Please refer to the study plans of the year you have been admitted into the degree.
All subjects previously studied under the old subject code will be recognised as equivalent. The current 4 digit subject codes will replace the old subject codes.
Program Structures
Easy apply
You can apply direct through Open Universities Australia.
Once you've checked your eligibility, apply and enrol for this degree following the steps.
Select ‘Apply now’
Choose subjects to begin your application. You can choose 1 or 2 subjects to start.
Complete your details
Provide your details and select a funding option. You can pay up-front or apply for government funding in your application.
We're here to help answer your questions. Our friendly student advisors provide 7 day support.