Master of Security and Strategic Studies

On successful completion, you will be able to:

1. Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques to undertake a “net assessment”, identify the strengths and weaknesses of two parties, and make strategic recommendation based upon this analysis.
2. Analyse the key debates and evaluate key decisions in Australia’s defence and strategic policy and place them within an historical and theoretical context.
3. Demonstrate the ability to think strategically (i.e., the ability to appreciate that each sides’ best choice will depend on what they believe that the other side will decide to do) and to explain and implement different techniques that can be used to this aim.
4. Use different methodologies (including simulations) to design, estimate and experiment with new strategies and develop creative responses to the full range of defence, national security, and geopolitical challenges confronting Australia and the region.
5. Understand, model and evaluate other actors’ (including opponents) interests, goals, and restraints.
6. Persuasively communicate their recommendations to a range of academic and professional audiences, using different styles of communication (e.g., policy memos, briefing notes, reports etc.).
7. Discuss in an informed manner the contemporary body of literature relating to the key concepts, approaches, and theories of defence and strategic studies.

In a changing international and strategic environment, there is a growing demand for people with specialised knowledge in security and strategic studies. In studying this course you will have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of security and strategy studies. This includes in-depth knowledge of Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st Century. The course further seeks to equip you with practical skills in terms of thinking through complex security problems in a systematic way in order to enhance your employment opportunities. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in security and strategic studies. They will provide you with an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level. The elective units will allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including cyber security, counter terrorism, intelligence and criminology.

Recommended study pattern

Master of Security and Strategic Studies students must complete eight or twelve subjects as per the admission point.

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

A student who is taking an unduly long time to complete a program of study may be excluded from further enrolment. An unduly long period of time is considered to be effective enrolment longer than 7 years for this Masters degree.

Core Zone

Essential Subjects: 60 credit points

• PICX8012 Critical Thought & Research Design
• PICX8025 Defence Analysis and Net Assessment
• PICX8050 Strategic Thinking
• PICX8003 Emerging Topics in Security Studies
• PICX8921 Australia’s Strategic and Defence Policy
• PICX8061 Peace Operations

Core Zone

Elective Subjects

Complete 10 credit points from:

• PICX8950 Crisis Simulation
• PICX8047 Supervised Project in Security Studies

Complete 10 credit points from:

• PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
• PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory

Flexible Zone

Electives: 40 credit points from:

• PICX8013 History of Intelligence
• PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
• PICX8037 Terrorism Pathways and Analytics
• PICX8040 Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing
• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8062 The Crimes of the Powerful
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
• PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory

Total credit points: 120

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Security and Strategic Studies students must complete eight or twelve subjects as required. Students must complete the compulsory subjects as indicated in the degree structure.

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.

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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.