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Master of Strategy and Security (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
Learn from the best educators in the country when you enrol in the Master of Strategy and Security. Gain knowledge and understanding of global security challenges and find out how to apply them in a practical setting. Help shape the future of these environments in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1 & 2
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Online
Campus
Canberra
Codes
Program code 8572
CRICOS code -
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$35,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$35,000*
A military personnel monitors data in a high-tech command center with multiple screens.

Overview

Master the complexities of global security with 麻豆社madou Canberra鈥檚 Master of Strategy and Security. This program equips you with the skills to navigate and respond to evolving challenges such as cyber threats, climate change and geopolitical instability. Prepare to shape solutions for some of the world鈥檚 most pressing issues by studying at a university at the forefront of Defence and strategic policy.

This program is designed for postgraduate students and professionals working in foreign affairs, security and Defence who wish to gain a deeper and more advanced understanding of the factors shaping the global and Asia-Pacific security and strategic environments. You鈥檒l gain advanced analytical skills, learn how to manage crises, anticipate risks and drive strategies that foster global stability.

As a graduate, you鈥檒l join a network of professionals making a real impact in international affairs, national security and Defence policy. This degree offers pathways into roles like security analyst, policy advisor and strategic consultant, positioning you to contribute to global progress and ensure safer, more secure futures for everyone.

Key features

Expertise in Asia-Pacific security

Gain deep insight into the strategic and security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. As Australia plays an increasingly critical role in this area, your understanding of regional geopolitics will be invaluable in roles across government, Defence and global organisations. You鈥檒l emerge ready to influence foreign policy and international development.

Immediately applicable skills

Learn techniques that translate directly into practical career outcomes. From crisis management to policy development, you鈥檒l acquire skills that help you navigate complex security scenarios. Whether you鈥檙e leading teams or shaping strategies, your ability to resolve issues will set you apart.

Opportunities in Defence and beyond

This degree prepares you for a wide range of career paths, from Defence and intelligence to risk analysis and consulting. You鈥檒l build transferable skills that are highly sought after across both the public and private sectors, giving you the flexibility to pursue roles in national security, global affairs, or multinational corporations.

Why study at 麻豆社madou Canberra?

Join a global leader in Defence education

麻豆社madou Canberra is renowned for its expertise in Defence and security, providing you with unparalleled access to world-class educators and cutting-edge research. This reputation opens doors to senior roles in government, Defence and global organisations.

Make strong industry connections
Benefit from 麻豆社madou鈥檚 extensive network across government, Defence and industry sectors. These connections can lead to exclusive opportunities for internships, collaborations and career advancement. You鈥檒l graduate with not only knowledge but also the industry relationships needed to make an immediate impact.

Flexible learning for working professionals

Designed with professionals in mind, 麻豆社madou Canberra鈥檚 flexible, online delivery means you can study while balancing your career and personal commitments. Whether you're already in the defence sector or looking to pivot into security roles, this qualification will accelerate your career.

Program Code
8572
Campus
Canberra
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

Please refer to the听听for the Entry Requirements.听

Program structure

The Master of Strategy and Security at 麻豆社madou Canberra is delivered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC), made up of two core courses and six electives.

You鈥檒l explore a diverse range of topics that address contemporary global and regional security challenges. Core subjects focus on areas such as strategic studies, international security and the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific. You鈥檒l also have the opportunity to tailor your studies with electives covering crisis management, cyber security and policy development. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills prepares you to navigate complex security environments and shape effective strategies across a range of sectors.

Students who excel may undertake a research thesis, giving you the opportunity to gain specialist expertise in an area you鈥檙e passionate about.

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 (or part-time equivalent).

Core courses - 12 UOC

鈼徧 Foundations of Modern Strategy

鈼徧 Global Security

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

Prescribed electives - 36 UOC

鈼徧 American Empire

鈼徧 Strategic Communication

鈼徧 Contemporary Warfare

鈼徧 Modern Naval History and Strategy

鈼徧 Genocide: Perception and Intervention

鈼徧 The Development of the Art of War: A Survey

鈼徧 Most Secret: Intelligence in the World

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

鈼徧 International Peacekeeping Operations

鈼徧 China鈥檚 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 Cyber Policy in China

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

鈼徧 Power and Australian Government Policy

鈼徧 GRIM Threats (Guerrilla, Revolutionary, Insurgent and Militia) and Irregular Warfare

鈼徧 Ethics in Special, Complex and Irregular Military Operations

鈼徧 International Law in Global Politics

鈼徧 Cyberspace, National Security and Law

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

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

鈼徧 Gender and Power in the Indo-Pacific: Key Debates

Research thesis - 12 UOC

Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in the four core courses may undertake a research thesis.

Future careers

Graduates of the Master of Strategy and Security are entering a rapidly evolving sector where global threats like cyber attacks, geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks are reshaping the security landscape. In Australia, the Defence industry employs , and that number is expected to increase over the next decade as the demand for security and Defence professionals grows.

As governments and organisations seek to address these challenges, graduates can drive progress by developing innovative strategies, shaping policy and managing crises. Whether you鈥檙e aiming for roles in national security, intelligence, or private-sector risk analysis, this degree equips you with the expertise to lead in a high-impact, fast-growing field.

Potential roles:

鈼徧 Border Protection Officer

鈼徧 Counterterrorism Analyst

鈼徧 Defence Analyst

鈼徧 Diplomatic Advisor

鈼徧 Foreign Policy Advisor

鈼徧 Intelligence Analyst

鈼徧 National Security Consultant

鈼徧 Policy Advisor

鈼徧 Risk Analyst

鈼徧 Security Consultant

鈼徧 Security Intelligence Officer

鈼徧 Strategic Planner

鈼徧 Strategy Consultant

鈼徧 Threat Analyst

鈼徧 Weapons Control 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.

Ready to start your application?

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?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$35,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$35,000*

*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.


Top 20
Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

Most
Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

Leading
Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.