National Security: Threats, Risks and Responses
PostgraduateMAQ-PICX80912026
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
National Security: Threats, Risks and Responses
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Assess complex current and emerging national security threats and risks across community, business, and government contexts.
- Formulate strategic responses to national security threats and risks informed by interdisciplinary evidence and stakeholder needs.
- Evaluate national security policies and strategies designed to mitigate complex threats and risks.
- Develop and communicate persuasive, evidence-based reasoning to support national security policy recommendations for government, business leaders, and the public.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
National security touches nearly every aspect of modern life. From climate change-induced disasters to cyber-attacks, terrorism, biosecurity threats, foreign interference, and rising tensions between global powers, the risks facing nations and communities are complex, evolving, and deeply interconnected. Even when not directly impacted by these threats, individuals and organisations often experience the effects of the policies and strategies implemented in response. This unit challenges students to critically engage with key national security threats and assess their implications for government, business, and civil society. Through analysing case studies and policy, and scenario planning, students will explore how national security risks are identified, evaluated, and addressed. Emphasis is placed on analysing real-world events, examining competing strategic responses, and developing practical skills in policy development and communication. By the end of the unit, students will be able to assess threats, formulate effective responses, and communicate policy recommendations to a range of stakeholders.
- Oral Presentation (50%)
- Policy Brief (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.
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- 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
Others
Pre-requisite Admission to MStrategySec(OUA) OR GradCertStrategicPolicy(OUA)
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PICT8091 National Security: Threats, Risks and Responses
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