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

Cybersecurity

Examine the role of technology in the changing nature of warfare.

Countering Violent Extremism

Explore contemporary issues in counter-terrorism such as radicalisation.

International Politics

Gain an understanding of the major institutions, events and issues in international politics.

Dictators and Democrats

Examine the key concepts of Political Science and comparative political systems.

International Relations

Explore the role of the United Nations and the problems associated with global governance .

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in security and counter terrorism
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise
3. Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of security and counter terrorism
4. Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
5. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
6. Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
7. Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts

You will learn about the changing nature of security in a post-9/11 world. Topics covered include cybersecurity 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 graduate with an understanding of the complex issues that inform and influence security, terrorism, and human rights, with the skills to contribute to the strategic and operational protection of national security.

This course is not available to international students.

Recommended study pattern

Course Units

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

International Politics (POL10002)

Australian Foreign Policy (POL20008)

Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)

International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)

Conflict Resolution (POL20011)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

Cybersecurity (POL30015)

Countering Violent Extremism (POL30016)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Professional Placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists. International students who successful gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying. Students who undertake a 12 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• 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);
• Four [4] units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points); and
• Ten [10] units of study (125 credit points) comprising of a second major or co-major, and/or advanced minor, and/or minor/s, and/or electives. (A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from non-Social Science/Arts studies).

Students who elect to undertake a 6 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 325 credit points comprising:

• 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);
• Two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and
• Ten [10] units of study (125 credit points) comprising of a second major or co-major, and/or advanced minor, and/or minor/s, and/or electives. (A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from non-Social Science/Arts studies).

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 a second major or co-major, and/or advanced minor, and/or minor/s, and/or electives. (A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from non-Social Science/Arts studies).

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.

A unit of study can only be counted once. Where there are overlaps between majors and/or minors, students in the first instance choose another unit from the list of units available in the major/minor. 

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

Indicative total fee $45,426

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.

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Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.

VCE Pre-requisites

• Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score
• Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.