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.
Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.
ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.
Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.
With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.
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 International Relations, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
- Have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
- Understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia;
- Reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.
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.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of International Relations - 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
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 International Relations 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 include:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1005 Intro to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Intro to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2133 International Organizations in World Politics
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding Global and Australian Foreign Policy Decision-Making
POLS3017 International Relations Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Science
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3028 Researching and Writing Human Rights
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
INTR2010 International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
INTR2028 Southeast Asia: ASEAN and Regional Order
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
A minimum of 6 units from the following security courses:
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
POLS2099 Cartographies of Security: Critical Security Studies and International Politics
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
POLS2131 Security Communities: From War to Peace
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 International Security Issues in the Asia Pacific
STST3001 Transnational Security Issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Security in the South Pacific: Is it Australia's "Arc of Instability"?
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2096 Genocide Studies
POLS2100 Genocide Post-1945
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice Chancellors courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
VCUG1001 The Art of Computing
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors
Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of International Relations (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) - four courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units 0f 1000 level courses
36 units of Compulsory Bachelor of International Relations Courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
48 units of electives courses from across the ANU
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - four courses per semester (24 units)
36 units of compulsory Bachelor of International Relations courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations 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 the 36 units of International Relations compulsory courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of language minors courses. You'll also get to choose 48 units of electives courses from 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 International Relations 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 International Relations 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 the 36 units of International Relations compulsory
courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units
of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of
global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from
each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of
internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of
language minors courses.
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, minor or specialisation.
• 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 the compulsory 1000 level courses for the Bachelor of International Relations POLS1005 and POLS1006
• You need to enrol in 12 units of 1000 level courses from the areas studies list EURO1004, MEAS1001 and POLS1007 and/or courses from the 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 International Relations 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 POLS1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You need to enrol in two 1000-level compulsory courses for the Bachelor of International Relations:
• POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
• POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
You need to enrol in two 1000-level courses from the areas studies list
• EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
• MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
• POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
or
You need to enrol in two courses from the language minors
Electives
Single Degree
You can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of International Relations.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
Bachelor of International Relations - Double Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |