Bachelor of Security Studies
UndergraduateMAQ-BSS-DEG2020
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Bachelor of Security Studies
About this degree
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
Knowledge:
- Identify contemporary and emerging security threats.
- Apply critical thinking skills in evaluating risk and threat assessment pertinent to the field of Security Studies.
- Explore a range of theoretical principles that are necessary to contextualise traditional and non-traditional security threats.
Skills:
- Present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment. Demonstrate ethical principles that manifest a global outlook through engagement with interdisciplinary and international issues; evidenced through balanced and clearly considered written and oral communication.
- Communicate acquired knowledge and skills effectively to a range of professional audiences. Present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment.
Application:
- Evidence creative and innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges through means of case-based assessment and subject participation.
- Analyse theoretical, thematic and practical positions pertinent to professional practice in the field of security studies, in preparation for graduate employment and career-based professional development.
- Select and integrate source-based knowledge from a diverse range of positions relevant to the field of security studies, which demonstrate social responsibility and an appreciation of diversity in the application of relevant policy and professional positions.
The program focuses on security, risks and policy responses in today’s society. It includes risk analysis, strategic planning, intelligence, emergency response and national resilience. The curriculum has been designed in consultation with major industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors. It combines academic conceptual skills with vocational skills in security analysis. Core subjects focus on security concepts and issues and applying analytical tools to contemporary policy challenges.
The Bachelor of Security Studies is structured around three key themes: the contemporary security environment, the range of options available to governments and businesses to manage and respond to security challenges, and emerging and ongoing challenges to security. The program emphasises both analytical skills and creativity in responding to new and complex challenges.
Being a Macquarie student means you aren’t restricted to picking subjects from just one field. You’re encouraged to extend your educational scope. Students are required to complete a People and Planet subject to meet the requirement of their Macquarie degree. This holistic approach to education encourages you to take subjects out of interest and curiosity. In some cases these areas of study digress from your career path, but doing these subjects make things interesting. We provide a list of People and Planet subjects as a guide, which makes it easy for every student to choose outside of their required study plan. People subjects are specifically designed to focus on the social world and develop socio-cultural literacy. While Planet subjects are more focused on developing scientific literacy and an understanding of the physical world.
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.
Students must complete no more than 100 credit points (10 subjects) at 1000 level.
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.
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://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services for further enquiries.
Note:
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 are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
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://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-admin-services.
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
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $20,280
The amount shown here is 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
Entry requirements
Detailed information regarding Macquarie Admissions can be found here:
http://www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/undergraduate/macquarie-entry- 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.
Study method 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
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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Defence Force Officers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
| Detectives | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Intelligence and Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | Up 22.6% |
| Intelligence Officers | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Police | $93K to $120K | Up 10.8% |
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.