Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Security and International Relations

During this Course students will learn about:

• International Relations Explore the role of the United Nations and the problems associated with global governance.
• International Politics Gain an understanding of the major institutions, events and issues in international politics.
• History, Politics & Human Rights Reflect on international framework of Human Rights from an historical and political perspective.
• Australian Foreign Policy Explore Australia’s foreign policy and strategic international security partnerships.
• War & Peace Learn about the evolution of global politics since World War II. 

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 the social sciences.
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 social sciences.
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.

The global network of foreign affairs, trade and diplomacy is ready for a new generation of thinkers. That’s where you come in.

You will be immersed in the complex issues that surround security, international trade and global diplomacy. Topics include Australia’s foreign policy and partnerships, the role of the United Nations, and the evolution of global politics and human rights. You’ll learn about the international framework for human rights and unpack issues such as international law versus the state, refugee rights, drones, torture in security and humanitarian intervention.

Taught by experts with professional backgrounds in politics and intelligence, you’ll learn real-world strategies to set you up for a fulfilling career in a sector you’re passionate about, such as government, not-for-profit, trade, policy, risk analysis and more. With a focus on industry-standard practices, you’ll examine real government documents and case studies to boost your job readiness.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and International Relations, you’ll have a thorough understanding of domestic and international political issues. You’ll also be able to pick from a wide range of electives, where you can enhance your skill set by studying related topics such as counter terrorism or behavioural studies. With this knowledge, you’ll be set up for a rewarding career and the lifelong opportunity to contribute to changes in international politics.

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 International Relations you must complete 24 units in total made up of four core units, eight major units and twelve elective units.

Core Units

Your core units provide an essential foundation for studying social science. In this major you must complete four core units by choosing to complete Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences OR Introduction to Research Methods.

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

Security and International Relations Major units

International Politics (POL10002)

Australian Foreign Policy (POL20008)

Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)

Conflict Resolution (POL20011)

War and Peace in the 20th Century (HIS30007)

International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

History, Politics and Human Rights (HIS30012)

Recommended electives

Economic Principles (ECO10005)

Federal & State Constitutional Law (LAW20012)

Business and Society (MGT20006)

Global Public Relations Practice (PUB20001)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Two (2) Core units of study and two (2) Core units of study based on selected major discipline area (50cps).
• Eight (8) units of study from a Social Science discipline major in one of the following areas: Behavioural Studies, Criminology, Security and International Relations, or Security and Counter Terrorism (100 credit points).
• Twelve (12) units of study (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives.

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Students studying Security and International Relations Major cannot also study Security and Counter Terrorism Major due to the similarity of units.

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a work-integrated learning (WIL) Professional Placement.

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.

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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.

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 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.