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Master of National Security Policy

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Offered By ANU National Security College
Minimum 48 units
Academic Contact david.connery@anu.edu.au
Academic Plan 7878XMNSP
CRICOS Code 072547B
UAC Code 832500(Master Nationa Security Policy)
835500(Master Nationa Security Policy)
Areas of Interest American Studies, Arab and Islamic Studies, Australian Studies, Computer Science, History, International Relations, Non Language Asian Studies, Pacific Studies, Policy Studies, Political Communication, Political Sciences, and Science

The program aims to facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding current and emerging national security challenges, with specific emphasis on identifying sources of insecurity and effective counter-measures. It will also address the architecture of Australia’s national security, including relationships between relevant government and non-government entities.

The program aims to develop knowledge and skills in national security policy professionals through a carefully structured range of core courses and selected electives. In doing so, the program will investigate areas including:

  • challenges to Australia’s national security;
  • Australia’s national security architecture;
  • collaborative strategy development and implementation;
  • collaborative leadership; and
  • using risk as a tool to prioritise national security resources.

Candidates will also be introduced to some research, analysis and communication skills of relevance to national security professionals.

Candidates will have access to a wide range of relevant electives provided by other ANU Colleges and potentially to selected electives from other universities.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for direct admission to the MNatSecPol should possess and be able to demonstrate to the Director of the National Security College (‘the Director’), or the Delegated Authority, a good understanding of Australia’s national security environment and the structures of Australian policymaking. It is expected this level of understanding will be gained through either:

  • a bachelor degree with at least honours 2A (usually four years) in a relevant field or a double degree with one of these being in a relevant field (at around Distinction average); or
  • a three-year bachelor degree in a relevant field (at around Distinction average) and relevant vocational educational or other tertiary qualifications (e.g. graduate diploma); or
  • previous postgraduate study in a field related to national security, as deemed acceptable by the Director.

Candidates with relevant work experience will be preferred if a quota is placed on the program.

Candidates who complete 24 units of the Graduate Certificate in National Security Policy (GradCertNatSecPol) and achieve a minimum mark of 50 per cent in each course and at least a 70 per cent weighted average over all graded courses, but do not apply to receive their award, may apply to transfer to the MNatSecPol in accordance with section 13 of the Working Rules.


The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions