Program Requirements
The Bachelor of International Security Studies requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
The 144 units must consist of:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
STST1001 Introduction to International Security
STST1004 How Nations Fight: From Tsushima to Taiwan
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2005 Why Nations Fight: The Causes of International Conflict
STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia
STST3005 International Security in the 21st Century
A maximum of 12 units from completion of the following courses:
ASIA3088 The Korean War
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
Minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:
HIST2110 Approaches to History
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research methods
A minimum of 30 units from the completion of courses within one or more of the following Security, Language, and Area Studies majors and minors:
Languages
Arabic Language
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian Studies
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tibetan Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
Regions
Asian History
Asian Studies
Contemporary Europe
Chinese Studies
Indian and South Asian Studies
Indonesian Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Middle East Politics and Security
Russian and Central Asia Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Southeast Asian Studies
Issues
Ancient History
Climate Science and Policy
Criminology
Geography
Gender and Sexuality
History
Historical International Security
International Relations
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Research methods
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Technology, Networks and Society
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
A maximum of 12 units of internships courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship Program Internship A
ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship
ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship
A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.
Elective Study
Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.
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 | 1000-level Elective |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Elective | |
| Year 2 48 units | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of a minor listed in the Language, Security and Area Studies minors | Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Elective |
| Concepts and methods course | Course toward completion of a minor listed in the Language, Security and Area Studies minors | Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Elective | |
| Year 3 48 units | STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia 6 units | Course toward completion of a minor listed in the Language, Security and Area Studies minors | Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Elective |
| Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Course toward completion of 36 unit requirement of Security Studies courses | Elective | Elective |
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.
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
- 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
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
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
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $50,500.00
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.
We live in a world of major security problems. From large-scale wars and strategic competition between the major states, to threats to the environment, and challenges at home such as terrorism, cybersecurity and the impact of new technology. The Bachelor of International Security Studies (BINSS) explores the enduring problems of security and war through a broad lens. It provides students with the empirical knowledge and analytical skills to understand the history and causes of international conflict and the implications of security issues for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Students will develop the experience and communication skills to assess the nature of contemporary security problems, and drawing on the latest academic scholarship, engage with policy and civil society solutions to the security problems of our time.
The BINSS is particularly suited for those seeking careers in the Australian Government, such as working as a diplomat in Foreign Affairs and Trade, as a strategist in the Department of Defence, or as a security analyst in the Intelligence Community. Graduates will also be well placed to contribute to international organisations such as the United Nations, to Aid and Development groups, or to support the private sector as businesses and non-government organisations navigate a challenging world.
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
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 defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Department of Defence, United Nations, Qantas, Google, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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 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
- Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major regional powers
- Develop and demonstrate teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills
Inherent Requirements
Information on inherent requirement is currently not available for this program
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 |