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.
Are you seeking a dynamic career in politics, the public service, advocacy organisations, not-for-profit social and community services or private industry?
The ANU Bachelor of Public Policy equips you with a comprehensive understanding of Australian public policies and related international policies.
This well-regarded education experience includes the Applied Policy Project, in which you will be engaged in an intensive student-led investigation of a policy issue or controversy relevant to your interests. You may also have the opportunity to attend the Australian National Internships Program.
Our program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge you need to gather and analyse a range of economic, demographic and social data, to evaluate public policies and programs, and to participate in policy design, advocacy and communication.
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, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
1. demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which public policy operates;
2. apply concepts and theories used in the study of public policy;
3. apply a range of research methods to the investigation of public policy;
4. gather, analyse, and interpret economic data, social data, and statistics related to Australian public policies; and
5. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
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 Public Policy - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $42,480.00
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
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST2004 Special Topic in International Security
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
24 units from completion of one of the following minors (List B):
Historical International Security
24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
The Bachelor of Public Policy flexible double degree requires the 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:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
INDG3001 Public policy development and implementation and Indigenous Australians
POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy
SOCR3001 Data for Decision Making
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
SOCY2101 Social Policy: Principles and Practice
A minimum of 6 units from completion of introductory courses on the following list:
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECON1100 Economics I (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
SOCY1002 Self and Society
A minimum of 6 units from completion of ethics courses from the following list:
PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
6 units from completion of empirical research courses from the following list:
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from completion of capstone courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
SOCY3001 Research Internship
SOCY3030 Applied Policy Project
A minimum of 6 and a maximum 30 units from completion of applied public policy courses from the following list:
CRIM2001 Doing Criminology: Research and Practice in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRIM2003 Controversies in Crime Control
CRIM2004 Dimensions of Crime: Identifying and Controlling Offenders
DEMO2001 Population Studies
DEMO2002 Population Analysis
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
ENVS3001 Climate Change Science & Policy in Practice
ENVS3020 Climate Change Science & Policy
ENVS3028 Environmental Policy
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
LING2022 Language Policy and Language Politics
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3038 Media and Politics
POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government
SOCY2021 Education and Society
SOCY2022 Environmental Sociology
SOCY2055 Social Inequality in Comparative Perspective
SOCY2057 Relationships, Marriage and Family
STST2001 International Security issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3002 Australia’s Security in the Asian Century
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
A minimum of 6 and a maximum 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A maximum of 12 units from completion of Vice-Chancellor’s courses from the following list:
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
Majors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Majors
Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | For study plans, please see following link http://cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans | - |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | Elective | - | - | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | - | - |
| POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | - | - | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | - | - |
| Elective | Elective | - | - | |
| Year 4 | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | - | - |
| Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Elective | - | - |
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 |