Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
Introduction to Security Studies
Undergraduate | MAQ-PICX1010 | 2020
Previously MAQ-PICX110
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Security Studies
About this subject
Upon fulfilling the requirements of this subject, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- Demonstrate understanding of key concepts, issues and debates in the security studies discipline
- Demonstrate understanding of key theories, approaches and methods used to analyse security studies issues
- Identify traditional and non-traditional security studies issues, and evaluate contemporary debate regarding these issues
- Identify key stakeholders, actors and structures in the field of security studies
- Model basic academic skills, in particular, constructing a clear, original and analytic argument, and independent research, reading and writing skills
- Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments
- 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 unit introduces students to security studies and contemporary security challenges. Using real-world examples, it provides students with the theoretical and conceptual knowledge to analyse security, instability and armed conflict in the modern international system. It addresses the role of the international system, states and leaders in complex conflict scenarios and teaches students to critically assess the relative importance of each. The unit covers a variety of pressing security issues, including interstate and intrastate war, coercive use of military power, alliances, nuclear weapons, humanitarian intervention, terrorism and counterinsurgency. It also examines how these threats and challenges can be managed. The unit provides an introduction to the field of security studies.
- Assessment 1 (20%)
- Assessment 2 (10%)
- Assessment 3 (40%)
- Assessment 4 (30%)
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.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
No 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-Introduction to Security Studies (no longer available)
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.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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