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.
Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in analytics, trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree. ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations. The Bachelor of International Relations will give you world-class training in International Relations, providing the skills and background you need to understand the complex and exciting world of international affairs. Our program:
- provides an overview of the historical and intellectual background of international relations which focuses on the interaction of state and non-state actors globally across many dimensions – cultural, economic, environmental, and military to name a few;
- gives you an in-depth understanding of contemporary debates and challenges in international relations, as well as hands-on experience in policy analysis and data literacy which will prove highly useful in the workplace of tomorrow; and
- offers opportunities to study more specialised topics such as geopolitics and great power rivalry, international organisations, empire, terrorism, and human rights.
Bachelor of International Relations students can pursue many additional options, including language study, going on exchange or doing 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
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.
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
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international system's historical development and contemporary status: its principal events, actors, ideas, institutions, and outcomes of interest;
- apply the key international relations theories and concepts to historical and contemporary cases, across multiple issue-areas;
- demonstrate knowledge of a specific region/historical era of relevance to international relations; apply international relations theories and concepts to that region/era; reflect critically on the theories' applicability and explanatory power;
- apply analytical tools from political science and other social sciences to the evaluation of international phenomena across of a wide variety of issue-areas that are relevant to scholars and policymakers; and
- communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a wide variety of media.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:
- achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
- if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
- applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program
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
- $50,500.00
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
A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
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
36 units from completion of the following compulsory course list:
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’
A 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
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
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
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:
18 units from completion of the following compulsory introductory and methods courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations
POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations
A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 units from the completion of courses in the following list:
POLS2017 International Relations Theory
POLS2094 International Political Economy
POLS2132 War and International Relations
POLS2133 Global Cooperation and Institutions
A minimum of 6 units from the completion of courses in the following list:
POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2045 Qualitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of the following International Relations and Social Science Breadth courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
HIST2110 Approaches to History
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STST1001 Introduction to Strategic Studies
SOCR1001 Foundations of Social Research
Or any other 2000-level POLS course with permission
24 units from the completion of the following 3000 level courses, of which:
A minimum of 12 units must come from the completion of courses on the following International Relations Depth list:
POLS3001 Foreign Policy
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS3035 Norms and International Law in World Politics
POLS3036 Terrorism
POLS3113 Human Rights
POLS3136 Power and Influence in World Politics
A maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses on the following Social Science Depth list:
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics, Practice
INTR3002 Global Institutions in the Asia-Pacific
STST3002 Australia’s Security in the Asian Century
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
Or any other POLS 3000-level course
6 units from the completion of a course from the following Area Expertise list:
ASIA2041 Mainland Southeast Asia: Colonial and Postcolonial Predicaments
ASIA2067 Asian Economies
ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA2301 Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of the Asia-Pacific
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism
HIST1214 Empires in Global History
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2214 The Great War: The Conflict that Changed the World
INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific
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
MEAS2004 Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries
PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia’s Security Choices
WARS2004: The Second World War in the Pacific
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 | 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 War and International Relations 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | POLS2094 International Political Economy 6 units | 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia 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
Enrolling for the first time can be overwhelming. Below, you will find information that will assist. Please note that advice on this page is indicative, and you are encouraged to contact the CASS Student office at students.cass@anu.edu.au or visit the the CASS student office website if you require tailored information.
Important items to note:
- 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 plan for your later year courses.
- The Bachelor of International Relations can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of International Relations is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.
Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact?students.cass@anu.edu.au
Single degree
The Bachelor of International Relations requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from completion of 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- Three compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination e.g. Of which a minimum of 12 units (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses) must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD. The Bachelor of International Relations component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 36 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 6 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from completion of 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- Three compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of International Relations typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four x six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of International Relations. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
If you combine the Bachelor of International Relations with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree on a full-time basis.
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of International Relations degree is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This 10 years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is 10 years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
In your first year, you will typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1005. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your International Relations half of the double degree.
Electives
Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).
In the Bachelor of International Relations, you can select a minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units of electives.? You can try a range of courses such as computing, history, or marketing. The choice is yours.
We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - single degree
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
FDD
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
Disciplines
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Courses (TD)
Transdisciplinary courses at the ANU are?courses that encourage students to collaborate across different disciplines and perspectives to solve complex problems. These courses help students develop skills to synthesise knowledge from different fields.
In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine.
You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.
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.
For further information on prerequisites and Arts and Social Science disciplines you can:
- Email us at students.cass@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can attend a drop in session with an academic advisor here