The post-Cold War international system has witnessed the rise of multifaceted security challenges. Traditional great power rivalries have re-emerged as China and Russia have been contesting the existing world order; while non-traditional, human, societal and economic security issues have added considerable complexity to our understanding of security and stability. In order to face these challenges, governments and international organisations increasingly need analysts who have the knowledge, skills and creativity to understand complex geostrategic issues and engineer solutions.

This degree will prepare you to analyse and make sense of contemporary security, defence and strategic challenges. You’ll learn about the dynamics behind major geopolitical and geostrategic issues, and about multidimensional non-traditional security challenges, and you’ll extend your knowledge of analytical methods to evaluate strategic choices, and the evolution of Australia’s interests and grand strategy.

Key Features

• This degree offers contemporary and rigorous academic study in security and strategic studies.
• You’ll study the latest geopolitical developments and analyse security and strategic challenges, threats and opportunities confronting Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and the globe.
• You’ll have access to experts from around the world and benefit from the strong relationships that the Department of Security Studies and Criminology has with Australian Government agencies working in this field.
• Simulated learning, which reproduces the multidisciplinary expert panels that are frequently employed by government in response to security challenges, will enable you to develop your technical skills.
• Electives will allow you to focus on other aspects of security and strategic studies, including intelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and criminology.
• You’ll benefit from our collaboration with major companies in the Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID), including Optus through the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub – a $10 million joint investment that promotes a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity.
• Your learning will be enhanced by our location in Australia’s leading high-tech precinct, which is brimming with collaborative, internship and employment opportunities..

• Academic
• Defence expert
• Intelligence analyst
• Police officer
• Policy adviser
• Researcher
• Risk analyst
• Security analyst