Program Requirements

The GDSS is a 48-unit qualification. Candidates are required to complete:

Two compulsory 12-unit courses

STST8001 Strategic Studies

STST8002 Grand Strategies in the Asia-Pacific


And 24 units of other courses including at least 18 units of SDSC elective courses (see Summary of Courses link above) and up to one cross-campus course from an approved list.

Transfer from the Graduate Diploma to the Master of Strategic Studies, or to the Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) will only be permitted if the candidate's results in the coursework are of a Distinction average (and with an average mark of at least 75% in the two core courses for transfer to the MA(SS)) and only if the Graduate Diploma has not yet been awarded.

Students who complete up to 24 units of coursework, including at least one SDSC core course, with a minimum grade of pass in each course and a 50% weighted average over the units completed, and who do not wish to complete further units [eg. students posted overseas for work for an indefinite period], may be eligible to transfer to the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Studies with full credit for units undertaken.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.