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National Security: Policy and Strategy
Undergraduate | MAQ-PICX211 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake
Understand how the Australian government formulates national security policy. Examine the strategic challenges facing Australia—the rise of China, U.S. pivot to Asia, military modernisation of our neighbours, and threats from weak and failing states.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
National Security: Policy and Strategy
About this subject
Upon fulfilling the requirements of this subject, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- identify key decision-making processes in the formulation and implementation of national security policies and strategies
- explain the political and legal framework in which Australian national security policy is made
- identify key external stakeholders, such as the private sector, the media, think-tanks and lobby or interest groups, relevant to the Australian national security policy
- critically analyze the concepts of business continuity and continuity of government in relation to national security contingency planning.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject critically examines how the Australian government formulates defence and national security policy. The subject explores the historical development of Australia’s defence policy by looking at the political, geographic and cultural factors that have shaped Australian perceptions of its own security requirements. The subject then discusses the current strategic challenges facing Australia, including the rise of China, the US ‘pivot’ to Asia, regional military modernisation, and the threats emanating from weak and failing states. The subject concludes by examining current Australian defence debates on how best to respond to these emerging security threats and challenges. By the end of this subject, students will possess a deep understanding of the issues involved with how Australia can and might use military force to pursue its strategic interests. The subject complements PICX112, which addresses Indo-Pacific security.
- Assessment 1 (30%)
- Assessment 2 (10%)
- Assessment 3 (20%)
- Assessment 4 (40%)
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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Entry requirements
Others
Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subject or other relevant experience.
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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