Program Requirements
The MPhil NSPO program consists of Part A (Coursework) and Part B (Supervised Research and Thesis). For Part A, all students are required to complete 6 units of coursework as specified below. Students must successfully complete Part A before progressing to Part B. In Part B of the program, each candidate is required to complete a thesis. The final thesis should be no more than 60,000 words in length including footnotes and tables. The thesis will be examined by external examiners who are experts in the relevant field. The MPhil degree is awarded solely on the basis of the examination of the research thesis. MPhil students should aim to start their degree at the start of the calendar year.
The 6 units of Part A coursework must consist of:
6 units from the following compulsory courses:
POGO8900 Fostering Public Policy (0 units)
POGO8997 Research Design for Public Policy
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Master of Philosophy program in the National Security College you are required to have achieved:
(a) a degree of bachelor, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university; or
(b) another qualification that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in paragraph (a); or
(c) a combination of qualifications and professional experience that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in paragraph (a).
Indicative fees
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $53,700.00
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 Australian National University provides Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. The MPhil in National Security Policy (NSPO) offered by the National Security College gives students the opportunity to research a topic of their choosing in the areas of national security policy, operations and theory. The study of national security encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, from political theory, social policy, history, legal studies, international relations and economics. As an MPhil student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.
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
Career options following the MPhil include many opportunities in addition to an academic path. Some of our alumni are engaged in senior public policy positions in state and federal government, working in both security and non-security roles. Others have taken on positions in non-government organisations, international institutions and the private sector.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse key concepts, theoretical debates and practical challenges in public policy in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, and/or globally.
- Apply research methodologies and interpret and use qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods for public policy issues.
- Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise diverse sources of information and develop clear arguments, delivered orally and in writing and supported by data and evidence.
- Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Further Information
The National Security College was established at the initiative of the Australian National University and Commonwealth Government to address a need for more integrated, broader understanding of national security policy and strategy among current and potential leaders in the national security community, and to encourage the strategic analysis of security issues more generally. The NSC was located in ANU to develop and foster the academic rigour and research base necessary for sound policy analysis. NSC's focus is on a concept of national security that is broad and that relates to whole-of-government and whole-of-nation priorities. For these reasons, NSC programs are of national strategic significance, and receive funding through the Commonwealth and ANU strategic relationship.