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.
Further Information
Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.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 National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
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 an ATAR 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
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further 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
- $40,416.00
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 course list:
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security
STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia Pacific
POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
18 units from completion of courses from the following list (List A):
ASIA2060 Southeast Asian Security
ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship
ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy
DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
STST2131 Security Communities from War to Peace
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
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 (List B):
Advanced Arabic
Advanced French Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Arabic Language
Asia-Pacific Security Studies
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
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
War Studies
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 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
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
POLS2136 Power and influence in world politics
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA1035 Introduction to Asian Politics
ASIA1999 The Origins of Political Order in Asia
ASIA2109 Violence, Poverty, and Politics in India
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2012 Uniting Europe: history, politics, theory
INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific
INTR2028 Regionalism, Rights and Order in Southeast Asia
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
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
A minimum of 6 units from the following security courses:
ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia Pacific
STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons?
STST2131 Security Communities from War to Peace
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy
HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism: A History
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics and Practice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2100 Genocide in the Modern World
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation
POLS3037 Globalisation: Communications, Culture and Democracy
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice Chancellors courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program 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
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Russian
Persian
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | 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 6 units |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | Elective | 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 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| Elective | Elective | POLS3017 International Relations Theory 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
| Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Elective | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units |
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
As a single degree program, BINSS requires the completion of 144 units:
· A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
· 30 units must come from completion of the compulsory course list
· 18 units must come from completion of courses in list A
· 24 units must come
from completion of a minor in list B
· 72 units
from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Double degree
As part of a double degree program, BINSS requires the completion of 96 units:
· A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
· 30 units must come from completion of the compulsory course list
· 18 units must come from completion of courses in list A
· 24 units must come
from completion of a minor in list B
· 24 units
from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
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 a minor from list B, which is listed under the 'study' tab.
Electives
You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you
like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.
To find 1000-level courses, search
Programs and Courses.
Remember, though, that if you are a single-degree student you cannot count more than 60 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of your degree. If you are a double-degree student, you cannot count more than 36 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of the 96 units allocated to the BINSS half of your degree.
Study Options
Single Degree example
This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of the BINSS program orders. You may, for example, wish to leave a substantial number (24) of elective units free so that you can study overseas for a semester.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 elective course | 1000-level elective course |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level elective course | 1000-level elective course | 1000-level elective course |
Double Degree example
This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of both degrees.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000-level course toward completion of minor in List B | Course from second degree | Course from second degree |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level elective course | Course from second degree | Course from second degree |
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of International Relations consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
For the Bachelor of International Relations you will need to complete:
- Six compulsory courses (36 units)
- A minimum of one theory course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one methods course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two areas studies courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of one security course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one global politics course from the designated list (6 units)
- Up to 12 units from the internships and Vice Chancellors courses from the designated list
- Up to four courses from the designated Language minors list (24 units)
- Eight electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of International Relations. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of International Relations Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of International Relations degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
You will need to complete:
- Six compulsory courses (36 units)
- A minimum of one theory course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one methods course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two areas studies courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of one security course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one global politics course from the designated list (6 units)
- Up to 12 units from the internships and Vice Chancellors courses from the designated list
- Up to four courses from the designated Language minors list (24 units)
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of International Relations. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study year.
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. Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of 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.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- The following compulsory courses:
- POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
- POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
- Depending on your interests and in keeping with the program requirements, courses from the area studies, security, and language minor lists:
- ASIA1035 - Introduction to Asian Politics
- ASIA1999 - The Origins of Political Order in Asia
- EURO1004 - Europe in the Modern Era
- MEAS1001 - Introduction to the Modern Middle East
- STST1001 - Introduction to International Security Studies
- Language courses at the appropriate level
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details by searching ‘language placement test’ on ANU website.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |