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

Course highlights:

1. Australian Foreign Policy: Trace Australia’s foreign policy from WWII to today, exploring power shifts in the Asia–Pacific, post–colonial legacies, and key bilateral relationships.
2. Conflict Resolution: Understand what’s really driving conflict – beneath the surface – and explore practical pathways to resolve it before or after it escalates.
3. History, Politics and Human Rights: Examine the international human rights framework from the ground up – covering genocide, refugee rights, torture, and the limits of human rights law in practice.
4. Security, Intelligence and Terrorism: Explore how intelligence and security systems are built, what they do, and the ethical and political questions that come with them in democratic societies.

What is the Bachelor of Social Science – Security and International Relations?

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Security and International Relations is a 100% online undergraduate degree that explores how global security, diplomacy, international relations and politics shape societies. 

You’ll examine contemporary issues in international affairs, including Australia’s foreign policy and partnerships, the role of the United Nations, human rights, refugee rights, humanitarian intervention, and the relationship between international law and state sovereignty. You’ll also explore debates surrounding sensitive topics such as drones and torture in security contexts. 

Through real-world case studies and government documents, you’ll build practical analytical skills and develop a strong understanding of domestic and international political issues. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your studies through electives in related areas such as counter terrorism and behavioural studies. 

Graduates may pursue opportunities across government, policy, international affairs, trade, risk analysis, and the not-for-profit sector. 

How you’ll study

• The Bachelor of Social Science – Security and International Relations 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 International Relations 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

You must complete one (1) of the following units:

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Security and International Relations Major units

International Politics (POL10002)

Australian Foreign Policy (POL20008)

Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)

Conflict Resolution (POL20011)

International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)

War and Peace in the 20th Century (HIS30007)

History, Politics and Human Rights (HIS30012)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

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 this course: 

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.

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.

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.