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.
ANU offers an outstanding variety of programs for Australia's next generation of language leaders, with more languages offered than at any other university in Australia. The ANU Bachelor of Languages is a wonderful way to take advantage of that, through the study of two (or more) languages, in combination with other areas of interest.
Your language education experience is designed to engage you with the structural, grammatical and idiomatic components of your chosen language or languages. This is further contextualised using cultural, social and historical concepts, issues and topics. You can start at beginning level, or at higher levels if you have past experience. Exciting opportunities exist for you to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through study abroad, and to combine your language study with a range of other areas.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
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
- communicate proficiently and confidently in at least one language
- identify the structure and uses of languages studied
- recognise and contrast the societies and cultures of the languages chosen, and their socio-historical context
- construct a global schema of the connections between the languages studied and their geographical, social and cultural origins
- recognise the importance and value of intercultural communication.
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
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 31
Domestic applicants
Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.
- Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
- completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
- previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
- previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
- ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Languages - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $44,470.00
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 Languages 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:
Either
48 units from completion of one of the following language majors:
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Latin
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
OR
24 units from completion of the one of the following advanced minors
Advanced Ancient Greek
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 Latin
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
EITHER
24 units from courses available in the international communication Major
OR
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the Advanced Minor:
Advanced English Language
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
Classical Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Latin
Russian
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the major or advanced minor from the list above:
Advanced Ancient Greek
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced English Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Advanced Hispanic Studies
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Latin
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
Classical Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Mongolian Language
Russian
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses in the Linguistics major
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses in any of the following majors:
Asian Studies
Computer Science
Contemporary Europe
English
International Communication
Latin American Studies
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Majors
Bachelor of Languages Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Languages 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 | Linguistics Course 6 units | Major 1000 level Course 6 units |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | Elective | Linguistics Course 6 units | Major 1000 level Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| Elective | Elective | Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course from min 6 unit list | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
| Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Elective | Course from min 6 unit list or Linguistic major course | Major 2000/3000 level 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 Languages 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 Languages you will need to complete:
- One
language major from the designated list (48 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and, - Either four courses from international
communication major (24 units)
or
One language minor from the designated list, must be different to the above advanced minor (24 units) - One language minor from the designated list, which must be different to the above major or advanced minor (24 units)
- A minimum of two courses from the linguistic major (12 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list of majors (6 units)
- One further course from a major listed within Bachelor of Languages
- Eight electives (48 units) from across the ANU
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 Languages. 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 Languages 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 Languages 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 POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
You will need to complete:
- One
language major from the designated list (48 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and, - Either four courses from international
communication major (24 units)
or
One language minor from the designated list, must be different to the above advanced minor (24 units) - One language minor from the designated list, which must be different to the above major or advanced minor (24 units)
- A minimum of two courses from the linguistic major (12 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list of majors (6 units)
- One further course from a major listed within Bachelor of Languages
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 Languages. 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 Languages half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Two 1000-level courses (12 units) from one of the language majors. If your chosen major is Chinese or Japanese, you will need to enrol in the four courses (24 units) in your first year
- Two 1000-level courses from one of the language minors
- One linguistics major Course
- 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.
Study Options
Study Plan
This page is currently being updated.Study Options
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Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
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Study Plan
This page is currently being updated.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
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Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
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