Australian National Security
UndergraduateMAQ-PICX30142025
Previously MAQ-PICX211
Understand how the Australian government formulates national security policy. Examine the strategic challenges facing Australia—the rise of China, U.S. pivot to Asia, military modernisation of our neighbours, and threats from weak and failing states.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Australian National Security
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Understand the inherent dangers to individual liberty and freedom originating from the security state
- Explain the historical evolution of Australian national security policy, including the role that culture, politics, race and geography have played in its development
- Identify the key threats and challenges currently confronting Australian national security policymakers
- Critically analyse the strategic and policy options current available to the Australian government regarding national security policy
- Demonstrate the ability to weigh and evaluate national security policy options
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject critically examines how the Australian government formulates defence and national security policy. The subject begins by interrogating the meaning of national security - more generally - and grabbling with the fact that the state is at once the best provider of security for its citizens while also being the greatest threat to individual freedom, liberty and personal safety. The subject then explores the historical development of Australia's national security policy by surveying the different cultural, political and geographic factors that have helped shape Australia's perceptions of its own security. The subject then pivots to discuss the current strategic challenges facing Australia, such as the rise of China, the military modernisation of its neighbours and the threats emanating from weak and failing states. The subject concludes by examining current debates among Australian defence scholars on how best to respond to these emerging security threats and challenges. By the end of this subject, students will possess the ability to weigh different national security policy options and argue persuasively for their preferred course of action.
- Qualitative analysis task (50%)
- Students will submit a policy brief and complete a viva voce (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
MAQ-PICX2020-Policing and Crime (no longer available)
MAQ-PICX1030-Introduction to Criminology (no longer available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PICX211 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PICT211, PICX211
Pre-requisite 50cp at 2000 level or above
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-BSS-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol 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 us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.