Intelligence-Based Decision Making
PostgraduateMAQ-PICX80902026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $4,320
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Intelligence-Based Decision Making
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Collect, analyse, and apply intelligence assessments to support policy development in national security and decision-making contexts.
- Critically evaluate key national security and intelligence theories and debates to inform decision-making processes.
- Apply research and investigative methods to examine the assumptions underpinning intelligence practices in diverse contexts.
- Communicate persuasive, well-reasoned intelligence arguments through clear and coherent written and verbal formats.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Intelligence-based decision making is fundamental to guiding policy and strategy across government, business, and non-government organisations. In an increasingly complex and data-saturated world, effective decisions depend on more than just information—they rely on the ability to ask the right question, collect suitable data, analyse the evidence in robust ways, and present findings in a clear, simple, and compelling manner. This unit introduces students to the key elements of intelligence-led thinking and equips them with the fundamental research and analytical skills required for impactful assessment. Students will explore national security and intelligence concepts, critically evaluate competing perspectives, and practise communicating insights through persuasive written and verbal argument. By engaging with real-world problems and policy challenges, students will refine the intellectual and practical skills needed to contribute to informed decision making in professional intelligence contexts.
- Oral examination (50%)
- Research Report (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 2026, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 9
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-STP-GCE-2026 - Graduate Certificate of Strategic Policy
- MAQ-STS-MAS-2026 - Master of Strategy and Security
- MAQ-ITL-MAS-2026 - Master of Intelligence
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Others
Pre-requisite: Admission to MCT(OUA) OR MCrim(OUA) OR MCyberSecAnalysis(OUA) OR MSS(OUA) MIntell(OUA) OR MStrategySec(OUA) OR GradCertStrategicPolicy(OUA) OR GradCertSecStudCr(OUA)
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PICT8090 Intelligence-Based Desision Making OR
PICX8012
Critical Thought and Research Design OR
PICT8012
Critical Thought and Research Design
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Graduate Certificate of Strategic Policy
PostgraduateMAQ-STP-GCE
Master of Strategy and Security
PostgraduateMAQ-STS-MAS
PostgraduateMAQ-ITL-MAS