Master of Counter Terrorism

On successful completion you will be able to

1. Critically analyse and explain real world counter terrorism issues through application of advanced and specialised disciplinary knowledge.
2. Formulate, integrate, and use advanced disciplinary techniques and methods to develop solutions to real world counter terrorism and violent extremism issues.
3. Describe and explain the interrelationship between terrorism/violent extremism and wider security challenges related to the online environment i.e., radicalisation, extremism, and online disinformation.
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of international perspectives on countering terrorism and violent extremism, and Australia’s place in the international system.
5. Construct novel counter terrorism-related research and implementable policies.
6. Achieve ethical and socially informed judgements in counter terrorism.
7. Explain complex issues and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written and oral forms in the field of counter terrorism.

In studying this course you will develop an in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of counter terrorism studies; the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges related to terrorism and its implications for counter terrorism approaches and policies; and the evolution of Australia’s counter terrorism strategies and policies. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse counter terrorism challenges, based on real world examples. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in counter terrorism theory and practices. The elective units allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including intelligence, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Recommended study pattern

Master of Counter Terrorism students must complete 8 or 12 subjects as required.

Please note: It is not recommended to enrol in more than 2 subjects per Session

Core Zone

Essential Subjects 60 credit points

• PICX8012 Critical Thought & Research Design
• PICX8018 Counter Terrorism in the Global and Australian Contexts
• PICX8003 Emerging Topics in Security Studies
• PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
• PICX8037 Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism
• PICX8043 International Terrorism

Core Zone

Elective Subjects

Option set 1: 10 credit points from:

• PICX8950 Crisis Simulation
• PICX8047 Supervised Project in Security Studies

Option set 2: 10 credit points from:

• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
• PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory
• PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy

Flexible Zone

Option set 1: 40 credit points from:

• PICX8013 History of Intelligence
• PICX8040 Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing
• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8061 Transnational Security
• PICX8062 The Crimes of the Powerful
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
• PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory
• PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy

Credit point tally  120

Award requirements

Students will qualify for the Master of Counter Terrorism by completing the subjects listed in the degree structure.

Students admitted to the Core and Flexible Zones must complete 12 subjects including:

• 6 subjects from the Core Essential list
• 2 subjects from the Core Elective lists
• 4 subjects from the Flexible Zone

Students admitted to the Core Zone must only complete 8 subjects including:

• 6 subjects from the Core Essential list
• 2 subjects from the Core Elective lists

On completion of admission you are bound by the University Terms and Conditions and must comply with present and future By-laws, Rules, Codes, and Policies, Procedures and Schedules of Macquarie University

Students who did not commence their program in the current year are required to follow the program structure provided to them at the time of admission.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Zone: Essential Subjects

• Core Zone: Elective Subjects Optional Set 1

• Core Zone: Elective Subjects Optional Set 2

• Flexible Zone: Optional Set 1

Applications are due the Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment date for the study session you are applying for.

Please note:

Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.

Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.

Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

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

Indicative total fee $33,240

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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

Depending on your prior qualifications, work experience, or other recognised prior learning, you may qualify for entry to the course at one of the admission points below. 

Each admission point requires the completion of some or all of the course's zones  (see Course Structure) which will affect the overall duration of the course.

Core and Flexible Zones

• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning, or
• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Core Zone

• AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
• Meet two of the following three criteria:
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
  • Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Related Disciplines For Prior Qualifications

Social Sciences, Humanities

Relevant Prior Work Experience, Professional Certification, Or Other Recognised Learning

Police Force, Defence Force, Public Service, Law, Policy advising, defence and security related industry and business, media, international policy think tanks.

The required standard of English for this program is:

Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. 

For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.

You may be eligible for credit against individual units in your course at Macquarie if you have additional postgraduate-level study or qualifications beyond those required for admission.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.