Introduction to Security Studies
UndergraduateMAQ-PICX1102019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2025 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.
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
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- -
- Loan available
- 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:
1. Understand key concepts, issues and debates in the security studies discipline.
2. Understand key theories, approaches and methods used to analyse security studies issues.
3. Identify traditional and non-traditional security studies issues, and evaluate contemporary debate regarding these issues.
4. Identify key stakeholders, actors and structures in the field of security studies.
5. Model basic academic skills, in particular, constructing a clear, original and analytic argument, and independent research, reading and writing skills.
6. 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 Contemporary Security Challenges.
This subject 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 subject 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 subject 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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- 10
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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