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.
Mathematics is at the core of all technological innovations.
If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.
It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.
Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
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
- Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
- Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics.
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 95
- International Baccalaureate:
- 39
Prerequisites
ACT: Specialist Mathematics and Specialist Methods (double major) / Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC.
NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent.
VIC: Specialist Mathematics.
QLD: Specialist Mathematics.
TAS: Mathematics Specialised / Both Mathematics IA and IB through UTAS.
SA / NT: Specialist Mathematics.
WA: Mathematics Specialist.
IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL.
More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .
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 Mathematical Sciences - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $53,700.00
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 Mathematical Sciences 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 consist of:
A minimum of 84 units from completion of courses from the lists below, which must include:
30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I (6 units)
MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications (6 units)
MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra (6 units)
6 units from the completion of one of the following courses:
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units)
36 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:
ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics
BIOL – Biology
CHEM – Chemistry
COMP – Computer Science
EMSC – Earth and Marine Science
ENVS – Environmental Science
HLMD – Health and Medicine
HLTH – Health Science
MATH – Mathematics
MEDN – Medical Science
NEUR – Neuroscience
PHYS – Physics
PSYC – Psychology
SCNC – Science
SCOM – Science Communication
STAT – Statistics
HURDLE REQUIREMENTS
Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.
Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.
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 | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | MATH1005 or MATH2222 6 units |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | Elective | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | BMASC or ANU elective 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I 6 units | MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications 6 units |
| POLS2132 War and International Relations 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units | BMASC or ANU elective 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 | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | BMASC course from alpha list 6 units |
| Elective | Elective | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | 3000 level MATH course 6 units |
| Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Elective | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | BMASC course from alpha list 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 Mathematical Sciences page
Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Biotechnology 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.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Mathematical Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
- 5 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
- A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives
This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
- 5 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
- A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
- A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives
This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program.
About this degree
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
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
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four 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 Mathematical Sciences. 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 Mathematical Sciences 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 .
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 Mathematical Sciences degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten 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
There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Biotechnology half of the double degree.Electives
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences program. With these courses you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
How do I use my 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).
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
Single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
Double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Mathematical Sciences Institute webpage here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here