Strategic studies internships offer a small group of outstanding graduate level students the opportunity to acquire practical experience working within a strategic and/ or defence policy related environment. This practical experience is designed to complement studies undertaken as part of the coursework component of the Master of Arts [Strategic Studies] program offered by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre.

Internships are usually attached to a relevant government department, think tank, media outlet, non-governmental organisation or tertiary institution. Internships can be undertaken within Australia or, in rare instances, internationally subject to the student being able to bear the financial costs and to meet the visa requirements associated with undertaking an internship in the country concerned.

Internships can vary greatly in terms of content, although a uniform assessment structure applies for students undertaking this course. Every attempt is made to match the interest of the student with the needs of the organisation.

Internships vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the student, as well as the needs of the host organisation. The normal expectation is that the internship will be for a period of up to three months.  

Students who satisfy the requirements of this course will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Apply knowledge gained from SDSC Masters courses in a policy relevant environment


• Complete a major research project and to express the key findings of that project both verbally and in written form


• Have an in-depth understanding regarding the rationale for and operating modalities of the host organisation


• Clarify professional and career interests in the context of present and future employment in the strategic and/ or defence policy environment

7000 - 8000 word research report developed in advance of commencing the internship and completed during the period thereof (70%). Associated assessment includes a 2000 word formal research proposal (10%), a 3000 word mid-term report (10%), and an oral presentation summarising the key findings of the research report (10%).

5 days per week for 12 weeks working on the internship research report and associated assignments. Students will also be required to maintain regular contact with the SDSC internship coordinator.

Entry into this course is at the discretion of the Head of SDSC and as subject to the availability of internship places in any given semester. Students who have completed the coursework component of the MA[SS] - passing all courses and achieving a weighted distinction average - and who have also achieved a minimum of 75% in their two core courses [or their equivalent] are eligible to formally apply to enrol in the course.

Students who have completed the coursework component of the MA[SS] - passing all courses and achieving a weighted distinction average - and who have also achieved a minimum of 75% in their two core courses [or their equivalent] are eligible to formally apply to enrol in the course.

Completion of SDSC Masters coursework component including a minimum grade of 75% in STST8001 Strategic Studies and STST8002 Key Security Challenges in the Asia-Pacific.

Course delivery will be tailored in consultation with the student and the host organisation, with a view to meeting the needs of both. Students will work under the academic supervision of the SDSC Internships Coordinator. A placement supervisor will be appointed by the host organisation for each student.