Geostrategic Risk
UndergraduateMAQ-PICX30002027
Course information for 2027 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 18 July 2027
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 26 July 2027
- Price from
- $2,355
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Geostrategic Risk
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to
- Identify various forms of geopolitical risk and their complex impact on government, institutions and companies.
- Apply interdisciplinary frameworks to analyse complex geostrategic risk scenarios and interpret emerging global trends.
- Develop strategic foresight by identifying key drivers, trends, and uncertainties shaping global dynamics.
- Develop and evaluate strategies of geostrategic risk mitigation.
- Use simulation techniques and analytical tools to predict how shifts in power, policy, and competition affect global developments.
- Communicate complex geostrategic analyses effectively to diverse stakeholders.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Geostrategic Risk is an applied, interdisciplinary unit that examines how political, economic, and security developments around the world create uncertainty and risk for governments, businesses, and investors. Students will learn to identify, analyse, and assess the impact of geopolitical events—such as armed conflict, political instability, trade tensions, sanctions, cyber threats, and great power competition—on global markets and strategic decision-making. The unit blends theory and practice, incorporating international relations, political economy, risk assessment frameworks, and forecasting methods. Through case studies, simulations, and real-time scenario analysis, students will explore how geostrategic risks emerge, evolve, and interact with global systems such as energy, finance, and supply chains. Ideal for students pursuing careers in international business, intelligence, finance, diplomacy, and global strategy, this unit emphasises critical thinking, analytical tools, and the ability to communicate complex risk environments to diverse stakeholders.
- Policy Report (50%)
- Advanced Risk Analysis (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Multiply your potential
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 University courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 9
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PICX2000-Risk and Security Management
- MAQ-PICX2015-Terrorism and Counterterrorism in the 21st Century
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:
Others
Pre-requisite 40cp at 2000 level
NCCW
PICT3015 Security Policy Analysis: Current and Emerging Issues
PICX3015 Security Policy Analysis: Current and Emerging Issues
PICT3000 Geostrategic Risk
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.
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.