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
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
identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia; and
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.
Indicative fees
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
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
Elective
Elective
Semester 2
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
Elective
Elective
Semester 1
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
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Semester 2
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Students starting in Semester 2– double degree Bachelor of International Relations, example
Semester 2 Course from other degree Course from other degree Semester 1 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