Master of Strategy and Security
Postgraduate
MAQ-STS-MAS 2026Course information for 2026 intake
Prepare to lead in high-stakes security environments
Specialise in advanced defence strategy, cyber intelligence, or counter-terrorism. Learn from experts in government and industry. Deep dive into threat assessment. Craft innovative policy solutions. Get ready to anticipate and respond to complex global risks.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 15 Feb 2026,
- 19 July 2026
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Strategy and Security
About this degree
On successful completion, you will be able to
- Evaluate theories and concepts relevant to strategy and security at national and global levels.
- Apply advanced research methodologies, data analysis, and program evaluation techniques to address complex strategic and security challenges and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop innovative and holistic strategies to address emerging and enduring threats in strategic and security contexts.
- Integrate strategic and security concepts to inform and strengthen practices across government, business, and community settings.
- Design evidence-based policy responses to strategic and security challenges using interdisciplinary frameworks in applied and practical settings.
- Communicate evidence-based arguments and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, including government, industry, professional sectors, and the wider public.
The Master of Strategy and Security (OUA) equips current and future leaders to address the most pressing security challenges confronting their nation or business. Graduates will be able to formulate strategies that anticipate, adapt, and respond to security threats, challenges, and risks. This interdisciplinary postgraduate degree brings together world-class academics and top professionals from Government and industry to create an exciting and dynamic learning environment. Students will be challenged to think deeply on pressing risks and threats – ranging from war, coercion, foreign influence, terrorism, crime, biosecurity threats, and cyber-attacks – and how governments, societies, and businesses from across the Indo-Pacific region can respond to ensure they remain secure and prosperous. The degree combines elements of classroom study with more dynamic simulations, wargaming, and scenario-based learning. The Master of Strategy and Security is focused on preparing the next generation of analysts, practitioners, officials, and industry leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to keep their nation or organisation safe. Students can specialise in one of three areas: (a) Defence and Strategy, (b) Cyber Intelligence, or (c) Counter Terrorism.
Recommended study pattern
Core zone - 80 credit points
Essential units - 40 credit points
PICX8060 The Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific
PICX8090 Intelligence-Based Decision Making
PICX8091 National Security: Threats, Risks and Responses
PICX8092 National Security in Practice
Specialisation - 40 credit points
Defence and Strategy - 40 credit points
Counter Terrorism - 40 credit points
Cyber Intelligence - 40 credit points
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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$34,560
Indicative total fee $34,560
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
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
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 fields for prior qualifications
Social Sciences, Humanities, Information and Computer Sciences
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, information technology industry, media, international policy think tanks, accounting, banks and financial institutions, telecommunications, network management, security management.
English Language Requirements
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.
Career opportunities
Department of Defence
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Law Enforcement and Police
Australian Border Force
International/Regional organisations
Think tanks and policy advising
Public Relations
Defence and security related business and industry
Cyber security-related business and industry, or Cyber security department of national and transnational corporations/organisations
International Non-Government Organisations
Banks and other financial institutions
Telecommunication companies
Network Architect
Solutions Architect
Security Specialist
Network consultant
Network security consultant
Higher Degree Research including MRes and PhD programs in security studies
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.