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 a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well-regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.
You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.
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
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
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major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;
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the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;
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the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;
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the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
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the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.
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:
- 96
- QLD Band:
- 3
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
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.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $44,604.00
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:
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 Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
48 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in PPE
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1008 PPE Integration 1
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
6 units from completion of the following courses:
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which must also be counted towards completion of any other requirements for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
Note: these courses are included in the following lists.
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2126 Democracy: Its Causes and Consequences
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS3034 Comparative Political Parties and Party Systems
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
PHIL2016 Philosophy of Language
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2080 Logic
PHIL2082 Sex and Death: the Philosophy of Biology
PHIL2101 Democracy, Difference and Desire
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic
PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy
PHIL2124 Philosophy of Cognitive Science
PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation
PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies
PHIL3076 Philosophy of the Life Sciences
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought(P)
ECHI3009 World Economy Since 1800
ECHI3019 The World Economy Since 1800 (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2016 Economics II (H)
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2091 The Economy, Politics and the State
ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2 (P)
ECON2120 Law and Economics (P)
ECON2125 Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
ECON3100 Economics 3 (H)
ECON3101 Microeconomics 3
ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3
EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models
INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy
6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:
ANIP Australian National Internships Program
ECON Economics
PHIL Philosophy
POLS Political Science
ASIA2090 The Political Economy of Myanmar
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Concept and methods course or security studies course | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units |
| Concept and methods course or security studies course | Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | POLS1008 PPE Integration 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century 6 units | Security studies course | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
| Security studies course | Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Security studies course | Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | ANIP/ECON/PHIL/POLS 2000/3000 Level Course 6 units |
| Security studies course | Security studies course | ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in PPE 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
For the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics you will need to complete:
- Eight compulsory courses (48 units)
- One introductory Philosophy course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list, which may also be counted towards any other requirement (6 units)
- Two Political Science courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Economics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- One 2000-level or 3000-level course from the designated list (6 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics. 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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:
- Eight compulsory courses (48 units)
- One introductory Philosophy course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list, which may also be counted towards any other requirement (6 units)
- Two Political Science courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Economics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- One 2000-level or 3000-level course from the designated list (6 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count eight 1000-level courses (48 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Following compulsory courses:
- ECON1101 - Microeconomics 1
- PHIL1005 - Logic and Critical Thinking
- POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics
- POLS1008 - PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science
- Either PHIL1004 or PHIL1008
- 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, however you can use your electives to make up a major or a minor.
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 POLS1002 towards the compulsory courses list and the Political
Science major.
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 | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |