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

Course highlights:

1. Cyber Security: Explore how technology is reshaping crime, conflict, and national security.
2. Counter Terrorism: Examine radicalisation, violent extremism, and the policies used to respond.
3. International Politics: Understand the institutions, alliances, and power dynamics shaping global security.
4. Conflict Resolution: Build practical skills to analyse and respond to complex security issues.

What is the Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism?

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and Counter Terrorism is a three-year full-time or part-time equivalent, 100% online undergraduate degree from Swinburne Online that prepares you for careers in intelligence, security advisory and counter terrorism.

You’ll explore how security works in today’s challenging global environment – from cyber threats and modern warfare to radicalisation, violent extremism and the politics that shape it all. You’ll learn to analyse complex conflicts, resolve disputes, and write clear reports on some of the toughest issues facing communities today, giving you the skills to contribute to strategic and operational national security.

Who is this course for?

If you’re interested in defence, intelligence, policy or protective security, this course is for you. Whether you’re starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, you’ll build specialist knowledge while tailoring your studies through a wide range of electives.

How you’ll study

• The Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
• Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per unit, per week.
• Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
• You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.
• Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.

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)

Conflict Resolution (POL20011)

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.

Learn more about Swinburne University of Technology

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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.