Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and Counter Terrorism

During this Course students will learn about:

1. Cyber Security Examine the role of technology in the changing nature of warfare.
2. Countering Violent Extremism Explore contemporary issues in counter-terrorism such as radicalisation.
3. International Politics Gain an understanding of the major institutions, events and issues in international politics.
4. Dictators & Democrats Examine the key concepts of Political Science and comparative political systems.
5. International Relations Explore the role of the United Nations and the problems associated with global governance.

Embrace the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community.

You’ll be taught by experts from a range of professional backgrounds, such as human rights lawyers and politicians, who will give you industry-level knowledge of these vital topics.

In this flexible course, you’ll learn about the changing nature of security in the twenty-first century. Topics covered include cyber security and the role of technology in contemporary warfare, as well as the major institutions and players in international politics, and strategies for countering violent extremism and radicalisation. You’ll also be able to tailor half of your degree to study the themes that interest you most, by taking electives or studying related social science topics.

With every unit designed to boost your professionalism, you’ll graduate with an understanding of the complex issues that inform and influence security, terrorism, and human rights. You’ll learn how create reports which unpack complex issues, giving you the skills to contribute to the strategic and operational protection of national security.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and Counter Terrorism can become job-ready for roles in risk analysis, security advisory, intelligence analysis, counter terrorism consulting, overseas aid and development and more.

This course is not available to international students.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and Counter Terrorism you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

Core Units

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

Core Unit Options

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Security and Counter Terrorism Major units

International Politics (POL10002)

Australian Foreign Policy (POL20008)

International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)

Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

Cyber Crime and Security (POL30018)

Countering Violent Extremism (POL30016)

Electives

Complete twelve (12) electives to round out your degree. Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units.

Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend for the Security and Counter Terrorism major:

Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)

Brain and Behaviour (PSY10007)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY70012)

Deviance, Difference & Conformity (SOC20020)

Award requirements

To qualify for a Bachelor of Social Science (Security and Counter Terrorism), a student must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Four [4] core units of study in Security and Counter Terrorism (50 credit points)
• Eight [8] units of study in the Security and Counter Terrorism major (100 credit points)
• Twelve [12] units of study (150 credit points) comprising of electives.

*A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from non-Social Science/Arts studies.

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

Indicative total fee $52,197

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.

Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.

It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

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15

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

• A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
• 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
• Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.