• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BINSS / BLANG
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010

Do you see yourself shaping Australia's foreign policy decisions? Or working with elite international organisations like the United Nations or our top spy agencies? The Bachelor of International Security Studies can help you make your dream career a reality.

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world – including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

ANU offers an outstanding variety of programs for Australia's next generation of language leaders, with more languages offered than at any other university in Australia. The ANU Bachelor of Languages is a wonderful way to take advantage of that, through the study of two (or more) languages, in combination with other areas of interest.

Your language education experience is designed to engage you with the structural, grammatical and idiomatic components of your chosen language or languages. This is further contextualised using cultural, social and historical concepts, issues and topics. You can start at beginning level, or at higher levels if you have past experience. Exciting opportunities exist for you to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through study abroad, and to combine your language study with a range of other areas.

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations, there’s a whole range of global security challenges which face business, government and international organisations today. As a result, employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their impacts.

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 business analysts, defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations, Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.

From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations, there’s a whole range of global security challenges which face business, government and international organisations today. As a result, employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their impacts.

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 business analysts, defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations, Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to:

• Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.
• Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary international security challenges.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy in the ‘Asian Century’.
• Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major Asia-Pacific powers.
• Employ communication and presentation skills (oral, written and electronic).
• Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Exhibit the ability to write for both academic and professional audience

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Languages, graduates will be able to:

  1. communicate proficiently and confidently in at least one language
  2. identify the structure and uses of languages studied
  3. recognise and contrast the societies and cultures of the languages chosen, and their socio-historical context
  4. construct a global schema of the connections between the languages studied and their geographical, social and cultural origins
  5. recognise the importance and value of intercultural communication.

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

ATAR:
90
QLD Band:
6
International Baccalaureate:
33

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/  for more information.

Bachelor of International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Languages - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$36,720.00

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.

Program Requirements

This double degree requires the completion of 192 units.

The Bachelor of International Security Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

30 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security

STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies

STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security

STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia Pacific

STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century

 

18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ASIA2053 Civil Wars and Civil Peace

ASIA2060 Southeast Asian Security

ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2110 Asia Pacific Affairs Internship

HIST2141 The Cold War, 1945-1989

INTR2012 China's New Approaches to Asia Pacific Security

INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2016 US Security Policy in Asia

INTR2018 Japan's Security Dilemmas

INTR2020 Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula

INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security

STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons

STST2131 Security Communities from War to Peace

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

STST1002 Tides of Conflict in the Asia-Pacific

STST2003 Security in the South Pacific: Is it Australia’s “Arc of Instability”

STST2004 Special Topic in International Security

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

STST3004 Advanced Study in Asia-Pacific Security

 

24 units from completion of one of the following minors:

Arabic

Asia-Pacific Security

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Historical International Security

Indonesian Language

International Relations

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Peace and Conflict Studies

Persian

Russian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Urdu Language

Vietnamese Language

 

24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

The Bachelor of Languages flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

 

The 96 units must consist of:

Either

48 units from completion of one of the following language majors:

Ancient Greek

Arabic

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Latin

Persian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Thai Language

Urdu Language

Vietnamese Language

 

Or

24 units from completion of the one of the following advanced minors

Advanced Ancient Greek

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Hispanic Culture

Advanced Hispanic Linguistics

Advanced Hispanic Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Latin

Advanced Spanish Studies

 

Either

24 units from courses listed in the International Communication major

 

Or

24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the advanced minor:

Ancient Greek

Arabic

Chines Language

Classical Chinese

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Japanese Linguistics

Korean Language

Latin

Russian

Persian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Thai Language

Urdu Language

Vietnamese Language

 

24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to both the language major and the advanced minor completed above:

Advanced Ancient Greek

Advanced French Studie

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Hispanic Culture

Advanced Hispanic Linguistics

Advanced Hispanic Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Latin

Advanced Spanish Studies

Ancient Greek

Arabic

Chinese Language

Classical Chinese

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Japanese Linguistics

Korean Language

Latin

Russian

Persian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Thai Language

Urdu Language

Vietnamese Language

 

A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses listed in the Linguistics major

 

A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses listed in any of the following majors:

Asian Studies

Computer Science

Contemporary Europe

English

International Communication

Latin American Studies

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

 

Majors

Bachelor of Languages Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Languages Minors

Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Languages Specialisations

Honours

For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Languages (Honours)

Back to the Bachelor of International Security Studies page

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies  you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world - including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

Single degree

This degree requires the completion of 144 units:

·  A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed

·  48 units must come from completion of the International Security major

·  24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

·  72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Double degree

This degree requires the completion of 96 units:

·  A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed

·  48 units must come from completion of the International Security major

·  24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

·  24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Security Studies single degree program you will study a total of 144 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the International Security Studies major and a minor, you can try a range of courses or take a second major or minor in a subject area of your choice.

Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of International Security Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24 units) from other ANU Colleges.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.  You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.  Other things to be aware of:

  • A course can only be counted towards one major or minor.

  • You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester.

  • You may need to enrol in courses for your major and/or your minor, particularly if you are completing a double degree.

  • If you are intending to enrol in language courses and have previous experience with the language you wish to study, you need to sit a placement test to ensure you are enrolled at the most appropriate level of language study.  Further information is available here

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ASIA1234.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Students in this degree must complete the International Security Major, and a minor from the following list:

 Arabic

 Asia-Pacific Security

 Chinese Language

 French Language and Culture

 German Language and Culture

 Hindi Language

 Historical International Security

 Indonesian Language

 International Relations

 Italian Language and Culture

 Japanese Language

 Korean Language

 Peace and Conflict Studies

 Persian

 Russian

 Sanskrit Language

 Spanish

 Thai Language

 Urdu Language

 Vietnamese Language

You can choose to turn your minor into a major. Once you've selected courses for a major, a minor or a second major or minor, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from their electives.

To find 1000-level courses, search Programs and Courses. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of International Security Studies program.


Study Options

Single Degree example

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course toward completion of minor in List B Elective 6 units Elective 6 units
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units Elective 6 units Elective 6 units Elective 6 units

Double Degree example

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course toward completion of minor in List B 1000 level course from other degree 6 units 1000 level course from other degree 6 units
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units Elective 6 units 1000 level course from other degree 6 units 1000 level course from other degree 6 units

Single degree

Three years full time (144 units) - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
One of the following language majors (48 units):
•    Ancient Greek
•    Arabic
•    Chinese Language
•    French Language and Culture
•    German Language and Culture
•    Hindi Language
•    Indonesian Language
•    Italian Language and Culture
•    Japanese Language
•    Korean Language
•    Latin
•    Persian
•    Sanskrit Language
•    Spanish
•    Thai Language
•    Urdu Language
•    Vietnamese Language
One of the following language minors (24 units):
•    Advanced French Studies
•    Advanced German Studies
•    Advanced Hispanic Culture
•    Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
•    Advanced Italian Studies
•    Advanced Spanish Studies
•    Ancient Greek
•    Arabic
•    Chinese Language
•    Classical Chinese
•    French Language and Culture
•    German Language and Culture
•    Hindi Language
•    Indonesian Language
•    Italian Language and Culture
•    Japanese Language
•    Japanese Linguistics
•    Korean Language
•    Latin
•    Russian
•    Persian
•    Sanskrit Language
•    Spanish
•    Thai Language
•    Urdu Language
•    Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses in the Linguistics Major
A minimum of 6 units from courses in any of the following majors:
•    Asian Studies
•    Contemporary Europe
•    English
•    International Communication
•    Latin American Studies
•    Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
•    Pacific Studies
Eight Electives from across the ANU  (48 units)


Double degree

•    This degree requires 96 units
•    A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
One of the following language majors (48 units):
•    Ancient Greek
•    Arabic
•    Chinese Language
•    French Language and Culture
•    German Language and Culture
•    Hindi Language
•    Indonesian Language
•    Italian Language and Culture
•    Japanese Language
•    Korean Language
•    Latin
•    Persian
•    Sanskrit Language
•    Spanish
•    Thai Language
•    Urdu Language
•    Vietnamese Language
One of the following language minors (24 units):
•    Advanced French Studies
•    Advanced German Studies
•    Advanced Hispanic Culture
•    Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
•    Advanced Italian Studies
•    Advanced Spanish Studies
•    Ancient Greek
•    Arabic
•    Chinese Language
•    Classical Chinese
•    French Language and Culture
•    German Language and Culture
•    Hindi Language
•    Indonesian Language
•    Italian Language and Culture
•    Japanese Language
•    Japanese Linguistics
•    Korean Language
•    Latin
•    Russian
•    Persian
•    Sanskrit Language
•    Spanish
•    Thai Language
•    Urdu Language
•    Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses in the Linguistics Major
A minimum of 6 units from courses in any of the following majors:
•    Asian Studies
•    Contemporary Europe
•    English
•    International Communication
•    Latin American Studies
•    Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
•    Pacific Studies



About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of Languages degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one language major (8 courses), one language minor (4 courses), take two courses (12 units) from the Linguistics major,  and one courses (6 units) from the following majors - Asian Studies, Contemporary Europe, English, International Communication, Latin American Studies,  Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Pacific Studies. You'll also get to choose eight electives (48 units) from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.

Double degree
In a Bachelor of Languages degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of Languages degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take one language major (8 courses), one language minor (4 courses), take two courses (12 units) from the Linguistics major,  and one courses (6 units) from the following majors - Asian Studies, Contemporary Europe, English, International Communication, Latin American Studies,  Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Pacific Studies.

Enrolment Status

While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
•    A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
•    You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
•    You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
•    You need to enrol in courses for your chosen language major
•    You need to enrol in courses for your chosen language minor
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Languages half of the double degree

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

You will need to enrol in:
Courses for both First Semester and Second Semester
Two 1000-level courses (12 units) from one of the language majors. If your chosen major is Chinese or Japanese, you will need to enrol in the four courses (24 units) in your first year.
Two 1000-level courses from one of the language minors
One Linguistics Major Course
Two 1000-level elective courses (12 units)

I have chosen a major from the approved above list. How do I choose the two 1000-level courses for my major?
•    All of these approved majors have only two 1000-level courses available, one in First Semester and one in Second Semester. You should enrol in both of these courses.  If you have studied a language previously you will need to take a Language Placement Test before enrolling in your chosen language for 2016.

If I have chosen to complete a Chinese or Japanese major, which courses do I enrol in for my major?
For a Chinese major you should enrol in:
•    CHIN1012 - Modern Chinese 1A: Spoken Chinese in First Semester
•    CHIN1013 - Modern Chinese 1B: Written Chinese in First Semester
•    CHIN2022 - Modern Chinese 2A: Spoken Chinese in Second Semester
•    CHIN2023 - Modern Chinese 2B: Written Chinese in Second Semester

For a Japanese major you should enrol in:
•    JPNS1012 - Spoken Japanese 1 in First Semester
•    JPNS1014 - Written Japanese A in First Semester
•    JPNS2003 - Spoken Japanese 2 in Second Semester
•    JPNS2005 - Written Japanese B in Second Semester
(If you have studied Chinese or Japanese previously you will need to take a Language Placement Test to determine the level of courses you should enrol in for 2016)

How do I choose 1000-level courses for my minor?
If your chosen language minor has 1000-level courses listed, you should choose these courses; typically there will be no choice as there are only two 1000-level courses offered.
If you have studied a language previously you will need to take a Language Placement Test to determine the level of courses you should enrol in for 2016.

Electives

Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in courses for a language major, a language minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for the major and/or minor you should choose electives to make up the 24 units each semester.

Study Options

Bachelor of Languages - Single Degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Languages.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units Major 1000 level Course 6 units Minor 1000 level Course 6 units Linguistics Major Course 6 units Elective 1000 level Course 6 units
Major 1000 level Coure 6 units Minor 1000 level Course 6 units Linguistics Major Course 6 units Elective 1000 level Course 6 units

Single Study Plan 2

Chinese Language

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHIN1012 Modern Chinese 1A: Spoken Chinese 6 units CHIN1013 Modern Chinese 1B: Written Chinese 6 units Minor Language Course 6 units Elective Course 6 units
CHIN2022 Modern Chinese 2A: Spoken Chinese 6 units CHIN2023 Modern Chinese 2B: Written Chinese 6 units Minor Language Course 6 units Elective Course 6 units

Bachelor of Languages - Double Degree

Study Options

Year 1 48 units Major 1000 level Course 6 units Minor 1000 level Course 6 units Degree B 6 units Degree B 6 units
Major 1000 level Course 6 units Minor 1000 level Course 6 units Degree B 6 units Degree B 6 units

Double Degree Study Plan 2

Japanese Language

Study Options

Year 1 48 units JPNS1012 Spoken Japanese 1 6 units JPNS1014 Written Japanese A 6 units Degree B 6 units Degree B 6 units
JPNS2003 Spoken Japanese 2 6 units JPNS2005 Written Japanese B 6 units Degree B 6 units Degree B 6 units
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