Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate of National Security Policy requires completion of 24 units which must consist of:
A minimum of 6 units from completion of foundational courses from the following list:
NSPO8006 National Security Policymaking
NSPO8007 National Security: Concepts and Methods
A minimum of 12 units from completion of national security policy courses from the following list:
NSPO8008 Ethical Challenges for National Security
NSPO8009 Cyber and Emerging Technologies in National Security
NSPO8012 Leadership, Risk and National Security Crisis Management
NSPO8013 Disease, Security and Biological Weapons
NSPO8014 Ethics and Technologies of War
NSPO8018 The Evolution of National Security Policy since 1945
NSPO8028 History for Policymakers
NSPO8030 Coercion and National Security
NSPO8032 Geoeconomics and National security
NSPO8033 Climate, the Environment and National Security
NSPO8034 China, America and National Security
NSPO8035 Australia's Strategic Environment and Future Security Challenges
NSPO8036 Australian National Security Law: An introduction for policymakers
A maximum of 6 units from completion of national security masterclass courses (3 units each) from the following list:
NSPO8040 Gender and Security
NSPO8041 Borders, Migration And Security
NSPO8042 Civil-Military Coordination
NSPO8043 Pandemics, Infectious Diseases and National Security
NSPO8044 Energy Security
NSPO8045 Propaganda and information war
NSPO8046 Terrorism and national security
NSPO8047 How Canberra works: a guide for security policymakers
NSPO8048 The Future of Intelligence
NSPO8049 Security in the Indo-Pacific
Admission Requirements
Applicants must present one of the following:
- Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 4/7
- Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7
- Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7
- 24 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7
- GRE General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program
- A minimum 5 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program
The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.
Ranking and English language proficiency: 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 automatically guarantee entry. 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. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:
- a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or
- demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency
Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.
Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support
Diversity factors: 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.
Assessment of qualifications: Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.
Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au.
Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.
ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications.
Indicative fees
- Annual indicative fee for domestic students
- $17,745.00
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $25,380.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
Fee Information
All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)
The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments
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.
The Graduate Certificate of National Security Policy offers a world-class qualification for national security professionals. This program provides an introduction to National Security concepts and practical policy skills, with a focus on navigating the Australian security landscape. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the security challenges that confront countries in our region and the world and enhance their capacity to lead or contribute to policy development and security practice in government and related sectors. Elective courses examine a wide range of present and future risks, such as pandemics, climate change, terrorism and cyber attacks.
The National Security College is a unique joint initiative between the Australian National University and the Australian Government. Join a network of experienced national security practitioners and policy-makers at the National Security College and graduate with a world-class qualification.
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.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary and emerging national security challenges affecting Australia.
Develop a working understanding of the context, processes, challenges and options for national security policy and implementation.
Communicate ideas, analysis and arguments on national security issues.
