Master of National Security Policy
Overview
Further information
With a Master of National Security Policy, you will gain a unique, in-depth understanding of the security challenges that confront countries in our region and the world.
As a student at the National Security College, you’ll be joining a supportive and passionate community of students, alumni and national security practitioners. You’ll engage with world-leading scholars at the cutting edge of national security research, with the wider national security community, and with leaders in government, politics, business and NGOs in Australia and internationally.
The Master of National Security Policy has evolved as a challenging and rewarding program of inquiry and contestible learning for aspiring professionals who want:
Join the network of experienced national security scholars, practitioners and policy-makers in Australia's capital.
Graduate studies guide
- a comprehensive understanding of how national security works both in theory and in practice, in Australia and internationally
- a deep understanding of the security issues facing the Indo-Pacific region and the world
- a chance to acquire and contribute to knowledge of tomorrow’s security challenges and the opportunities meet them
- an enhanced capacity to lead or contribute to policy development and security practice in government and related sectors
- access to experts and senior officials in Australia’s capital, insider views and networks of like-minded professionals
- skills that will prepare you for a career in government, intelligence, the military, international organisations, civil society or the private sector, in Australia and throughout the world.
Degree structure
Further information
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0.
- Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students
- Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units
Units/Duration
The Master of National Security Policy requires the completion of 72 units and 1.5 years of full-time study
Courses
The NSC offers the following courses:
NSPO8006 National Security Policymaking
NSPO8007 National Security: Concepts and Methods
NSPO8008 Ethical Challenges for National Security
NSPO8009 Cyber-intelligence and security
NSPO8010 Civil-Military Relations
NSPO8012 National Security and Crisis Management
NSPO8014 Ethics and Technologies of War
NSPO8017 Malicious Networks: Transnational Terrorism and Crime
NSPO8018 The Evolution of National Security Policy since 1945
NSPO8020 Research Methods in National Security Policy
NSPO8021 Statecraft and National Security in Cyberspace
NSPO8022 Selected Topic in National Security Policy
NSPO8023 National Security in the Indo-Pacific
NSPO8024 American National Security Policy
NSPO8025 Terrorism and National Security
NSPO8026 Energy and National Security
NSPO8027 Propaganda, Information War and National Security
NSPO8028 History and Policymaking
NSPO8030 Coercion and National Security
As a flexible and multi-disciplinary degree, the Master of National Security Policy also enables you to study a range of quality elective courses from similar fields across the ANU campus. Please consult the full program guide for more information about elective courses and internships available to you.
Your career
Further information
Your career
Whether your career aspirations lie in government, the private sector, international organisations or the media, a degree from the NSC can help you achieve them. The NSC’s graduate programs will give you both a strong theoretical underpinning and a practical understanding of the national, regional and global security challenges that will shape the 21st century. You’ll be taught by leaders in their fields and gain access to top Australian and overseas officials from government and the private sector.
At the National Security College, you’ll be part of a new generation of professionals from across Australia and around the world who are engaging with applied national security policymaking in Australia’s capital. You’ll gain an internationally respected qualification in national security with a focus on the dynamic Indo-Pacific region and develop the skills and networks you’ll need to further your career.
Academics
News
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Scholarships and fees
Further information
National Security Policy Scholarships
National Security College Entry Scholarship for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Students
The ANU NSC Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students offers a partial fee grant to a new applicant from an Indigenous community who has received an offer to join either program.
Each year the National Security College may award a partial tuition scholarship known as the National Security College Entry Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Students.
Find out more about this scholarship.
National Security College HDR Travel Grant
The National Security College HDR Travel Grant provides additional research funding for new or existing domestic higher degree by research students from the College to undertake fieldwork or attend conferences.
ANU scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
