Lead strategic security policy and response

The range and complexity of security challenges facing the world has never been greater—and it’s continually growing. Climate change, cyber-attack, violent extremism and inter-state rivalries are a constant threat to stability for nation-states and regions all over the globe.

Understanding and managing these critical and fluid situations is a matter of the highest priority, both in Australia and abroad, with significant implications for foreign policy and international development. Our Master of International Security prepares you to take the lead.

What will you do?

Studied over two years full-time, the degree will equip you with the specialist knowledge, awareness and skills to diagnose emergent cross-border security challenges and produce sustainable policy or practice solutions.

The program is designed and delivered by Adelaide’s internationally recognised academics, whose research informs Australian national security policy, international security organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Highly interdisciplinary, it integrates knowledge from our politics, international relations, public policy, Asian studies and geography experts to provide you with:

• advanced skills in identifying and analysing emerging global security threats
• deep understanding of strategic cultures and unconventional conflict
• the opportunity to explore particular interests in cyber security, Indo-Pacific security, national security law, transnational crime, human rights, the impact of climate change, and more
• high-level research skills, through a major final-year research project.

Where could it take you?

You will emerge equipped for senior security strategy and policy-related roles in Australia, the region and overseas. You could find yourself analysing threats in a national security agency. You might develop risk-mitigation strategies for an international non-government organisation operating in conflict zones. Or you might contribute to Indo-Pacific policy for Australia’s growing defence industry. In whichever sector you find yourself, this degree will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to engage with the most complex security dilemmas.

To qualify for the degree of Master of International Security, the student must satisfactorily complete a program of study with a combined total of not less than 48 units. Students may be eligible to complete the program in a full-time standard duration of 1.5 years on the basis of prior learning.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

For the two year program, you will need to complete a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising 18 units of core courses, 18 units of research dissertation courses, and 12 units of elective courses.

Courses are worth 6 units each, unless specified otherwise.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Risk Analyst;  Strategic Analyst;  Information Management Officer;  Business Analyst;  Policy Adviser;  Corporate Policy Advisor;  Management Analyst;  Business Consultant;  Business Data Analyst;  Non Government Organisation Worker ...

48 unit Conversion Pathway Bachelor degree (or equivalent); or Graduate Diploma in International Security; or Graduate Certificate in International Security 36 Unit Extension Pathway Bachel

IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 and Band score of 6 in all bands; TOEFL Paper-based: total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE) or Internet-based: total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 58 and Skills profile of no less than 50 in all skills; and Cambridge English-Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 176 and Individual score of 169 in all skills.