• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BINSS / BIR
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010
Bachelor of International Security Studies / Bachelor of International Relations

Do you see yourself shaping Australia's foreign policy decisions? Or working with elite international organisations like the United Nations or our top spy agencies? The Bachelor of International Security Studies can help you make your dream career a reality.

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world – including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.

ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.

Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.

With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.

Career Options

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

  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. identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;

  2. have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;

  3. demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;

  4. understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia; and

  5. reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.

Further Information

Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
85
International Baccalaureate:
31

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.

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

Bachelor of International Relations - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$46,680.00

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 Security Concepts 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

Tibetan 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

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

The Bachelor of International Relations flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts

POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy

POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis

A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:

POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory

POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit

POLS2119 Ideas in Politics

POLS3017 International Relations Theory

POLS3032 The Politics of Empire

A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:

POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique

POLS3045 Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science Research

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

A minimum of 12 units from the following area studies courses:

ASIA1035 Introduction to Asian Politics

ASIA1999 The Origins of Political Order in Asia

EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era

EURO2012 Uniting Europe: History, Politics, Theory

EURO3002 Comparative European Politics

INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East

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

MEAS2004 Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy

MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East

MEAS3004 Iran in World Politics

POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East

POLS2055 Pacific Politics

POLS2095 Politics in Latin America

POLS3040 Conflict and Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

A minimum of 12 units from the following security courses:

ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia

INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula

INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies

POLS2136 Power and Influence in World Politics

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons

STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century

A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:

DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World

DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy

INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics and Practice

PHIL2113 Global Justice

POLS2011 Development and Change

POLS2100 Genocide in the Modern World

POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the 20th and 21st Centuries

POLS2113 Human Rights

POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics

POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation

POLS3004 Emotions in International Politics

POLS3035 The Politics of International Law

SOCY2030 Social Inequalities and Development

A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the following cognate list:

DEMO1001 Global Population Challenges 

DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World

HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism: A History

HIST1210 Environment and History from 1945

HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945

HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989*

HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945*

HIST2226 Nazi Germany*

HIST2228 The Enlightenment: Europe and the World 1660-1800

HIST2242 The Soviet Union: From the Russian Revolution to the Collapse of Communism*

HIST2238 Human Rights in History*

MEAS3007 Syria in the Levant: State, Society and the Current Turmoil

MEAS3008 Egypt: Social and Political Dynamics in a Changing Middle East

*Please note that courses with asterisks are usually offered every second year.

A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice-Chancellor's courses:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program B

VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors:

Advanced Chinese Language 

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Korean Language 

Advanced Spanish Studies

Arabic

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Japanese Linguistics

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Russian

Persian

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Vietnamese Language

Minors

Bachelor of International Relations 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 POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 6 units
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units Elective POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 6 units
Year 2 STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units Course toward completion of minor from list B 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units
POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security 6 units Course toward completion of minor from list B POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units
Year 3 STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century 6 units Course toward completion of minor from list B POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units
Elective Elective 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units
Year 4 Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units
Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A Elective 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 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

Back to the Bachelor of International Relations page

Course selection

Enrolling for the first time can seem like a big task. Below, you will find an example enrolment pattern for your first year of study. 

There are a few items to note:

  • Courses coded in the 1000 range are appropriate for first-year students. We strongly recommend that students new to tertiary study enrol in first-year courses during their first semester. 
  • We recommend you start a CASS Program Plan. This is a way to track how the courses you take fit within the overall structure of your degree and will help you pick your later year courses.
  • The tables below represent only one possible combination. You are welcome to pick and choose from any other 1000-coded course found under the “Study Tab”. 
  • The tables below assume you are new to tertiary study and ineligible for course credit. 
  • A step-by-step guide on how to enrol in courses is available on the Enrol for the First time webpage.

Single degree

Students starting in Semester 1 – single degree Bachelor of International Relations, example

Semester 1

POLS1006

STST1001

Elective

Elective

Semester 2

POLS1005

POLS1009

Elective

Elective

Other first year courses available: to find all other 1000-level courses, refer to the Catalogue of Programs and Courses. You may refine your selection on the right-hand column of the webpage.

Students starting in Semester 2– single degree Bachelor of International Relations, example

Semester 2

POLS1005

POLS1009

Elective

Elective

Semester 1

POLS1006

STST1001

Elective

Elective

Other first year courses available: to find all other 1000-level courses, refer to the Catalogue of Programs and Courses. You may refine your selection on the right-hand column of the webpage.


Double degree

Students starting in Semester 1 – double degree Bachelor of International Relations, example

Semester 1

POLS1006

STST1001

Course from other degree

Course from other degree

Semester 2

POLS1005

POLS1009

Course from other degree

Course from other degree

 Students starting in Semester 2– double degree Bachelor of International Relations, example

Semester 2

POLS1005

POLS1009

Course from other degree

Course from other degree

Semester 1

POLS1006

STST1001

Course from other degree

Course from other degree

 


Electives





Study Options

Study Plan

Please refer to the "Study" tab.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units Elective Elective
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units Elective Elective

Study Plan

Please refer to the "Study" tab.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units Course from other degree Course from other degree
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units Course from other degree Course from other degree

Academic Advice

Course credit

If you have undertaken previous study that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit. For more information and how to apply, see the CASS credit application webpage, or contact the CASS Student Office.

 

Other important information for new students

Please refer to the New students page. You will find all the information you require to activate your ANU email account, enrol into courses and our O week details.  

 

Need help?

If you would like further information or advice regarding your degree, please contact the Student Office. We offer appointments, and you can reach us at students.cass@anu.edu.au.

You can also check out our in person opening hours and location on the CASS Student Office webpage

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