• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BINSS / BPLSC
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 120010

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.

The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated Political Science degree in Australia. The ANU has some of the world’s finest political scientists, and was the only Australian university to receive a 5 (“well above world class”) in both of the Excellence in Research for Australia’s reports. Located in the national capital, the ANU is the only university with a right to place interns in Australian Parliament House. The Bachelor of Political Science will give you the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics.

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

  1. Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.

  2. Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary international security challenges.

  3. • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

  4. Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy in the ‘Asian Century’.

  5. Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major Asia-Pacific powers

  6. Employ communication and presentation skills (oral, written and electronic)

  7. Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills

  8. Exhibit the ability to write for both academic and professional audience

  1. Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and behaviour and to the evaluation of political phenomena;
  2. Apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;
  3. Demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and
  4. 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

ATAR:
90
QLD Band:
6
International Baccalaureate:
34

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. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs,  please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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

Bachelor of Political Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$43,344.00

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:

24 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 Concepts of Security in the Asia-Pacific

STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century

 

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

HIST2110 Approaches to History

POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

WARS2001 Theories of War: An historical and global perspective

POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis

POLS3017 International Relations Theory

 

Minimum of 36 units from completion of courses from the following list of Security Studies courses:

Asia-Pacific Security

ASIA2060 Southeast Asian Security

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

STST2020 Study tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices

 

Global Security

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

HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945

POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security

STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons

 

Australian Security

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

 

Non-traditional Security

ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy

INTR2047 Human Security: Conflict, Displacement and Peace Building

POLS3004 Emotions in International Politics

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

 

History and Security after 1945

HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989

STST2004 Special Topic in International Security

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

WARS2002 Vietnam Wars: 1941-1989

WARS2003 The Korean War

 

A maximum of 30 units from the completion of courses within the following Language, Security and Area Studies minors:

Language

Advanced Arabic

Advanced Chinese Language

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Korean Language

Advanced Sanskrit Language

Advanced Spanish Studies

Arabic Language

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Persian

Russian

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Tok Pisin Language

Vietnamese Language

 

Area Studies and Methods

Asian Studies

Asia-Pacific International Relations

Contemporary Europe

Gender and Sexuality

International Communication

International Relations

Latin American Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Philosophy

Social Research Methods

Southeast Asian Studies

Sustainable Development

 

Security

Criminology

Historical International Security

Peace and Conflict Studies

Technology, Networks and Society

War Studies

 

A maximum of 6 units from the completion of courses from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses or the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A

ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

ASIA3024 Editor’s practicum: online public engagement, academic blogging and digital disruption

ESEN1101 Essential University English

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

HIST1250 Big History

The Bachelor of Political Science flexible double degree component 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:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

POLS2119 Ideas in Politics

A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

POLS3022 Washington DC Internship

POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

POLS3038 Media and Politics

POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government

POLS3040 Conflict and change in sub-Saharan Africa

EURO3002 Comparative European Politics

A minimum of 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction

PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice

PHIL2113 Global Justice

POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory

POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit

POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory

A minimum of 12 units from completion of methodology courses from the following list:

ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

POLS2137  Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique

POLS3045 Qualitative Methods in Political Science Research*

A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:

POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy

POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions

POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics

A maximum of 6 units from completion of Australian political history courses from the following list:

HIST2227 Australian Political History

HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History

A minimum of 12 units from completion of comparative politics courses from the following list:

ASIA2065 Asian Politics: From Concepts to Causes

POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS2126 Democracy: Its Causes and Consequences

POLS2134 Gender and Politics

POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation

POLS3037 Globalisation: Communications, Culture and Democracy

A maximum of 6 units from completion of area studies courses from the following list:

ASIA2026 The Politics of China

ASIA2031 Japanese Politics

ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea

ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia

ASIA2109 Violence, Poverty, and Politics in India

ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development

EURO2012 Uniting Europe: history, politics, theory

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

POLS2025 Politics in Britain

POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East

POLS2055 Pacific Politics

POLS2069 Politics in Russia

POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia

POLS2095 Politics in Latin America

POLS2127 U.S. Politics

A minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 units from completion of political economy courses from the following list:

ASIA2090 Study Tour: The Political Economy of Myanmar

ECON2013 Behavioral Economics

MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East

POLS2011 Development and Change

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy

A maximum of 12 units from completion of internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A

ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B

VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge

VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

VCUG3002 Mobilising Research


Note (*): POLS3045 Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science Research will be available from 2021.

Minors

Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors

Study Options

Year 1 - - POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
- - POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
Year 2 - - POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
- - POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units
Year 3 - - Comparative Politics list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units
- - Another course from specified lists 6 units Political Economy list Course 6 units
Year 4 - - Methodology list Course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
- - Methodology list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units

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.

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

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 from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 1000-level elective course 1000-level elective course
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 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 from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list Course from second degree Course from second degree
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 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 Political Science 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 PHIL1004 towards the political theory and political philosophy list and the philosophy major.

For the Bachelor of Political Science you will need to complete:

  • Four compulsory courses (24 units)
  • A minimum of one course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of two political theory and political philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A minimum of two methodology courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A minimum of two Australian politics course from the designated list (12 units)
  • A maximum of one Australian political history course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of two comparative politics courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A maximum of one area studies course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of one course and a maximum of two political economy courses from the designated list (6 units)
  • A maximum of two internship/ Vice-Chancellors courses from the designated list (12 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 Political Science. 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 Political Science 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 Political Science degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.

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 PHIL1004 towards the political theory and political philosophy list and the philosophy major.

You will need to complete:

  • Four compulsory courses (24 units)
  • A minimum of one course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of two political theory and political philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A minimum of two methodology courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A minimum of two Australian politics course from the designated list (12 units)
  • A maximum of one Australian political history course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of two comparative politics courses from the designated list (12 units)
  • A maximum of one area studies course from the designated list (6 units)
  • A minimum of one course and a maximum of two political economy courses from the designated list (6 units)
  • A maximum of two internship/ Vice-Chancellors courses from the designated list (12 units)

Please note that you are only permitted to count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.

You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Political Science. 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 and get your degree. 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 Political Science half of the double degree.

In your first year you need to enrol in:

  • Following compulsory courses:
    • POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics
    • POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science
  • 1000-level courses from the designated course lists
  • Second semester courses from the list you have not met the prerequisite for
  • Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

You are not required to take a major or a minor in the Bachelor of Political Science degree, however you can use your electives to make up a major or a minor.



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.




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 - - - -
- - - -
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