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About the course
The Master of National Security Policy prepares future policymakers, analysts and leaders for complex national security challenges. Delivered through ANU’s National Security College and partners, it blends academic scholarship with practitioner insight. Core study builds policy foundations in the Australian security landscape, while electives explore emerging risks such as cyber threats, terrorism, climate impacts and Indo-Pacific strategic tensions. This is a master’s programme focused on national security policy.
What you might learn
Students develop analytical and practical policy skills to understand and respond to contemporary security issues. You learn key national security concepts and methods, decision-making under risk and crisis, and how law, ethics, politics and institutions shape security policy. Elective options broaden expertise across areas such as intelligence, geoeconomics, critical technologies, migration and civil-military relations. This master’s degree builds applied capability in national security policy.
Career outcome
Graduates may pursue roles across government and public-sector agencies involved in national security, strategy and policy, including policy advising, analysis and programme management. The degree also supports careers in defence and security-related organisations, consultancies, think tanks, international organisations and risk-focused roles in the private sector. Skills gained are suited to work requiring security literacy and policy judgement. This is a master’s qualification for national security policy careers.
Entry requirements
Applicants need a bachelor degree (or international equivalent) with GPA 5/7; or a bachelor with GPA 4/7 plus either 3 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1), or a relevant graduate certificate (GPA 4/7). Entry may also be via a graduate diploma (GPA 4/7), 48 units of postgraduate study (GPA 4/7), or a graduate certificate plus 3 years’ experience. GRE options may apply.
Living Costs in Canberra**
Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 23 |
Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,584 - 2,095 |
Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,253 - 1,657 |
Transportation (Daily) A$ 4 - 10 |
Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 264 - 348 |
Average Salary***
