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Master of International Security

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

Security communities around the world are in the midst of unprecedented expansion. The demand for graduates with backgrounds in international security has grown dramatically and will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

The International Security degree is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to understanding both traditional and emerging security challenges, drawing on a wide range of disciplinary fields
including defence, international relations, strategic studies, political science, economics, environmental studies, law, business, public health, biology, and demography.

International security traverses a complex and frequently interconnected set of issues that have great salience for the world in which we live. They range from the causes and consequences of war between states to ethnic, religious and ideological conflicts, as well as threats to human security and the stability of states from environmental degradation, infectious diseases, climate change and the activities of non-state actors.

The programs focus not only on strategic thinking and analysis, regional and country knowledge, but also on helping students develop the professional and specialist skills that will strategically position them in the employment market. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in: diplomacy, defence, intelligence, the military, government, business, consulting, journalism, humanitarian and non-governmental work.

Units of study

For an up-to-date list of units of study for this degree, please refer to the online postgraduate handbook.

Full units of study list

Embedded courses

Further course information

Study plan

To be awarded the Master of International Security, students must successfully complete a total of 10 units of study (60 credit points), comprising: three core units of study (18 credit points), and seven elective units of study (42 credit points) (including at least four units selected from 'Table A' electives).

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of International Security have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will be well equipped to develop rewarding career paths in international security, in both the public and private sectors as well as with international and non-government organisations.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, must apply through UAC.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of International Security requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma, graduate certificate or equivalent at an institution approved by the Faculty and graded at a standard acceptable to the Faculty; and/or where applicable:
(b) relevant work experience requirements as determined by the Faculty;
(c) satisfaction of the English language requirements; and
(d) any other minimum standards specified by the Faculty.

International students

How to apply

International students may apply online through the University's International Office or through an agent in their home country. Detailed information is available through the International Office, including how to apply and an application guide, application deadlines and access to the University of Sydney Online Application Service.

The following sites provide additional information that may be of interest to international students:
• Information about offers of admission to the University
• International Student Support
• Services available at the University
• Accommodation
• Orientation
For additional information and enquiries please contact the Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator Associate Professor Jingdong Yuan.

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Master of International Security requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma, graduate certificate or equivalent at an institution approved by the Faculty and graded at a standard acceptable to the Faculty; and/or where applicable:
(b) relevant work experience requirements as determined by the Faculty;
(c) satisfaction of the English language requirements; and
(d) any other minimum standards specified by the Faculty.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.