Master of Security and Defence Management (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Gain a solid and detailed understanding of the elements shaping the future of the contemporary strategic and security environment. Learn how to create solutions for complex policy challenges and propel your career as one of today鈥檚 innovative change-makers in the Australian Defence Force.

Commencing Terms: Semester 1 & 2
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Online
Campus: Canberra
Codes: Program code 8573; CRICOS code -


2025 Indicative first year full fee: $37,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $37,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $48,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $49,000*

Honours student Officer Cadet Todd Baldwin examines hand gestures as a tool in his experiments concerning impact of presentation and control modalities upon performance and perception within a virtual environment.

School of Engineering and Information Technology (SIET) Virtual Environments & Simulation Lab (VESL).

Optional research project
Fully online
Complete in one year full-time

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Overview

The Master of Security and Defence Management at 麻豆社madou Canberra equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead in one of the world鈥檚 most rapidly evolving fields. You鈥檒l explore the complex factors shaping global security environments, gaining a deep understanding of how to manage and respond to modern defence challenges. With this degree, you鈥檒l position yourself as a forward-thinking leader, ready to drive progress in the defence, security and strategic sectors.

Through this program, you'll learn how to navigate the complexities of international security and develop innovative strategies to solve real-world policy problems. Whether you鈥檙e already in the Defence industry or looking to transition into this critical field, this postgraduate degree gives you the knowledge and tools to make an impact. You'll be prepared to step into high-level roles in Defence, government, international organisations, or the private sector.

With this degree, you鈥檒l be in high demand to shape defence strategies and manage security risks, positioning yourself as a leader in global security.

Key features

Strategic and operational skills
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and operational dimensions of Defence. This dual focus gives you the expertise to tackle complex global security challenges and lead in diverse roles.

Real-world policy focus
Develop practical solutions to complex policy challenges, preparing you to influence national and international security strategies. Your expertise will empower you to make critical decisions and lead change in government, Defence and beyond.

Fast-track your career
Complete the program in just one year of full-time study and accelerate your career progression. In less than 12 months, you鈥檒l gain the skills, qualifications and network to secure senior roles in Defence, government, or international organisations, ready to make a real impact on global security challenges.

Why study at 麻豆社madou Canberra?

Learn from leading defence experts
Learn from academics and professionals with deep expertise in defence, security and policy-making. Their real-world insights and industry connections will equip you with the practical knowledge needed to influence policy and strategy at the highest levels.

Fit your studies around your life
麻豆社madou Canberra鈥檚 fully online delivery mode allows you to balance your studies with your career, giving you the freedom to pursue advanced education without sacrificing your current commitments.

Connection to defence networks
麻豆社madou Canberra鈥檚 strong ties to the Australian Defence Force and international defence organisations give you access to a powerful network of professionals. You鈥檒l build valuable connections that can lead to unique career opportunities and collaborations, positioning you to succeed in defence leadership roles.

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Program Code

8573

Campus

Canberra

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 麻豆社madou depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 麻豆社madou requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you鈥檙e completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

English language requirements

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English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

Program structure

The Master of Strategy and Security at 麻豆社madou Canberra is a one-year full-time (part-time equivalent) program. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC).

You鈥檒l complete three courses each in security and management, covering topics such as international security policy, risk management, defence leadership and strategic decision-making. You鈥檒l gain a well-rounded understanding of the global and local security challenges shaping today鈥檚 world. With the option to undertake a research project, you can also dive deeper into a specialised area of interest to drive progress in your field.

Full program structure

This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study.

Prescribed Management electives - 18 UOC

鈼徧� Strategic Management

鈼徧� Organisational Behaviour

鈼徧� Strategic Human Resources

鈼徧� Accounting for Management Decisions

鈼徧� Business Law

鈼徧� Leadership

鈼徧� Business Ethics

鈼徧� Logistics Management

鈼徧� Strategic Procurement and Outsourcing

Prescribed Security Electives - 18 UOC

鈼徧� Strategic Communication

鈼徧� Modern Naval History and Strategy

鈼徧� Global Security

鈼徧� Asia-Pacific Security: The Dynamics of Change

鈼徧� Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges

鈼徧� China's Security Policy and Military Modernisation

鈼徧� Contemporary Strategy

鈼徧� Global Justice and World Politics

鈼徧� Cyber-Security and World Politics

鈼徧� Conflict Transformation

鈼徧� Culture and Conflict

鈼徧� Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility

鈼徧� Power and Australian Government Policy

鈼徧� International Law in Global Politics

鈼徧� Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare

鈼徧� Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition

Other Coursework Programs - 12 UOC

Students may, with the approval of the Postgraduate Coordinator, complete up to two courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs of equivalent academic standard. These may include:

鈼徧� Any course offered by the UC School of Humanities and Social Sciences

鈼徧� Any course offered by the UC School of Business

Research Thesis

Students who achieve at least a Distinction average in four courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis. The research thesis is composed of Research Thesis A and Research Thesis B, each worth 6 UOC. You must enrol in both units to fulfil the requirements. These units can be completed either concurrently in a single semester or consecutively over two semesters. Approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator is required for enrolment.

Future careers

Graduates of the Master of Security and Defence Management are entering a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. With increasing global security threats, ranging from cyber warfare to geopolitical tensions, the demand for skilled defence and security professionals is higher than ever. Job growth in defence and national security roles is projected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by heightened investment in defence and security initiatives.

As a graduate, you鈥檒l be well-positioned to lead in roles across defence forces, intelligence agencies, government bodies and international organisations, shaping policies and strategies that address complex global challenges and drive real-world progress.

Potential roles:

鈼徧� Border Protection Officer

鈼徧� Counterterrorism Analyst

鈼徧� Defence Consultant

鈼徧� Defence Intelligence Analyst

鈼徧� Emergency Management Director

鈼徧� Intelligence Officer

鈼徧� Military Operations Planner

鈼徧� Policy Advisor (Defence and Security)

鈼徧� Risk and Security Manager

鈼徧� Security Analyst

鈼徧� Security Consultant

鈼徧� Strategic Risk Analyst

鈼徧� Strategic Planner

鈼徧� Threat Assessment Specialist

鈼徧� Weapons Systems Analyst

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our听听portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.听.

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For most international students, applications are submitted via听our鈥€痵ervice. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement听date. For听more information visit听our鈥�.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$37,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$37,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$49,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the听.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit听.

Scholarships

At 麻豆社madou, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you鈥檙e a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.