This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
This is a 24-unit thesis course available in the Master of National Security Policy program. In relation to relevant thesis topics, the notion of national security (together with any policies related to it) is understood in broad terms and students are therefore welcome to investigate traditional and/or non-traditional security issues. The completion of this thesis will demonstrate an advanced aptitude for conducting innovative research and producing high quality writing with minimal supervision. This program is also equally suitable for students who may be interested in continuing with further research work or as a PhD candidate. The Course Convenor will work with each student to identify a thesis supervisor.
The 24 units of this course can be completed either in one semester or split over two semesters (with 12 units in each).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Pose a significant research question relating to National Security Policy.
- Investigate this question creatively, critically, ethically, and independently, including through sophisticated use of appropriate theory and methodology as appropriate to National Security Policy, and place these investigations in the context of the relevant intellectual tradition.
- Communicate their research and its findings through an appropriate medium.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
This WIL component provides you with the opportunity to deeply engage with the course content, drive your leaning, build skills and confidence, and perform the learned tasks more effectively.
Other Information
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy (crawford.degrees@anu.edu.au) to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Presentation (20) [LO 2,3]
- Thesis (15,000 words) (80) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students enrolling in a 12 unit load over two semesters will expected to complete 260 hours per semester. Students enrolling in a 24 unit load over one semester will be expected to complete 520 hours per semester. This will include a minimum of 10 hours contact with the supervisor and a weekly one-hour seminar. It is the joint responsibility of the student and supervisor to arrange times for contact.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 12 to 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $780 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1120 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 2443 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
| Online | ||||||
| 3954 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | Online | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 7445 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 8953 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |