Introduction to Security Studies
UndergraduateMAQ-PICX10102025
Previously MAQ-PICX110
Analyse security, instability and armed conflict in the modern system. Gain an overview of interstate/intrastate war, military power, alliances, nuclear weapons, humanitarian intervention, terrorism and counterinsurgency.
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
Introduction to Security Studies
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of key approaches, theories, concepts, issues and debates in Security Studies.
- Apply Security Studies’ key approaches, theories, concepts to both historical and current events in order to gain insight and understanding.
- Identify key stakeholders, actors and structures in the field of Security Studies
- Model basic academic skills, in particular, being able to demonstrate analytical reading and annotation skills.
- Develop oral and written communication skills
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as PICX110 Introduction to Security Studies.
This subject is a gateway unit into further study in Security Studies. It will introduce students to the theoretical foundations, essential concepts and central issues in the field of Security Studies. It will also further develop and refine students’ academic skills and literacy. Students will learn how to use Security Studies' central theories and concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the leading security challenges currently confronting Australia and the wider world. At its conclusion, students will have acquired the academic skills and conceptual knowledge necessary to successfully pursue their undergraduate studies in Security Studies.
- Analytical reading assignment (50%)
- student 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
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-PICX110 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units)
PICT110, PICX110
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
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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