Program Requirements

The Bachelor of International Security Studies requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

The 144 units must consist of:

36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STST1001 Introduction to International Security

STST1004 How Nations Fight: From Tsushima to Taiwan

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST2005 Why Nations Fight: The Causes of International Conflict

STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia

STST3005 International Security in the 21st Century

A maximum of 12 units from completion of the following courses:

ASIA3088 The Korean War

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

Minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:

HIST2110 Approaches to History

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis

POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research methods

A minimum of 30 units from the completion of courses within one or more of the following Security, Language, and Area Studies majors and minors:

Languages

Arabic Language

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Studies

German Studies

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Studies

Japanese Language    

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Persian

Russian Studies

Sanskrit Language

Spanish Studies

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Tibetan Language

Tok Pisin Language

Vietnamese Language

Regions

Asian History

Asian Studies

Contemporary Europe

Chinese Studies

Indian and South Asian Studies

Indonesian Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Middle East Politics and Security

Russian and Central Asia Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Southeast Asian Studies

Issues

Ancient History

Climate Science and Policy

Criminology

Geography

Gender and Sexuality

History

Historical International Security

International Relations

Peace and Conflict Studies

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Social Research methods

Sociology

Sustainable Development

Technology, Networks and Society 

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

A maximum of 12 units of internships courses:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internship Program Internship A

ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.

Minors

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:

• completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
• co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
• English language proficiency; and
• any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:

• previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
• English language proficiency; and
• any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:

• previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
• English language proficiency; and
• any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:

• ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
• English language proficiency; and
• any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency 

As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant’s Selection Rank (for example an applicant’s ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

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.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find themselves working in a range of fields including defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Department of Defence, United Nations, Qantas, Google, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.
2. Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary security challenges.
3. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
4. Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy
5. Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major regional powers
6. Develop and demonstrate teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills

Inherent Requirements

Information on inherent requirement is currently not available for this program