International Security Studies
UndergraduateMUR-POL3452026
Understand international politics, and security and strategic studies. Examine competing theories and different conceptions of security, the post-Cold War system, the roles of the United Nations and international law in international security.
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
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
International Security Studies
About this subject
On successful completion of the subject you should be able to:
- Examine the historical, political and social contexts within which discussions about interstate war and armed conflict take place.
- Analyse the root causes of interstate war and armed conflict using international relations theory and a levels-of-analysis approach.
- Critically assess core contemporary challenges in international relations.
- Conduct independent research to create evidence-based arguments on international security issues.
- Effectively communicate ideas and arguments, based on research, in presentations and in writing.
- States & International Relations;
- Theorizing International Relations
- Security & Securitization;
- Military Threats from Inter-State Wars
- Military Threats from Non-State Actors
- Economic & Social Threats to Security
- Environment & Health Threats to Security;
- Environmental and economic security
- Accidents & Natural Disasters;
- Crime & Insecurity
- International Relations in a Globalizing World
- Global Governance & Global Security
- Future of Security Studies
This subject was previously known as POL291 International Security Studies.
This subject aims to develop a critical understanding of interstate war and armed conflict that continues to be a central feature of modern international relations. The unit will look at how interstate war and armed conflict have changed over the years, the reasons that drive them, and their consequences for national, global, and human security. The unit will further explore the various ways international society has tried to limit, control, and eliminate interstate war and armed conflict, and assess to what extent these efforts have been effective. The unit will focus on the past to better understand the present and predict the future of interstate war and armed conflict.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
Assessment in this subject includes an exam. Majority of OUA students will be required to complete their final exam remotely online (Remote eExam) via myMurdoch Learning (LMS), using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. You will require a device meeting the minimum standards with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection and perform a one-time installation of ‘Respondus LockDown Browser’ using the unique Murdoch link. You are required to complete the mandatory practice quiz before the start of the exam period to ensure a smooth experience on the day. More information regarding Respondus can be found on the Remote eExam page: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/RemoteExams
Note: As this is a Capstone Unit no supplementary assessment is available.- Interactive Online Presentation (20%)
- Critical analysis of contemporary security issue (40%)
- Final Invigilated Exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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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:
MUR-POL291 (Not currently available)
MUR-PTR291 (Not currently available)
Others
To enrol in this subject, you must have completed of a minimum of 48 credit points (generally all first- and second-year units).
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.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMUR-BAR-DEG
UndergraduateMUR-BGS-DEG
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