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MC-INTSEC

Master of International Security

Master by coursework

Be equipped to respond to 21st challenges in Australia and globally.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Master of International Security
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year, 6 months full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    300
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    117067J
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

12 February 2025

Semester 2, 2025

3 March 2025

9 July 2025

Semester 1, 2026

11 August 2025

5 February 2026

Semester 2, 2026

6 April 2026

2 July 2026

Course outline

What can I do with a degree in Master of International Security

Make Australia a safer place

Influence the key decisions that keep Australia safe and determine our collective future.

Pursue a meaningful career

There is a growing need for experts who can use their strong technical, analytical and critical thinking skills to enhance good decision-making.

Work in diverse settings

You can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or IAEA, cyber security or consultancy firms, media companies, or academia and research.

Outline

Outline

A career in international security is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote national safety and determine our collective future.

This course will equip you with effective critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations and security studies, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Across 1.5 years of study, you’ll gain expertise in national strategy, policymaking, intelligence and law enforcement.

Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you’ll explore the traditional topics of war, peace and strategy, as well as newer dimensions of security, including environmental and climate change, disinformation and cyber power, humanitarian and cultural issues, transnational networks, and emerging technologies.

You can choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as intelligence, strategy or regional security.

In your final year, you’ll develop advanced research and policymaking skills through a professional work placement or research project/dissertation.

Curtin graduates have embarked on careers in Australia and around the world, contributing to critical discussions on topics such as the AUKUS alliance, China’s expanding power, the Ukraine war and the emergence of global extremism.

Intermediate awards
You may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma of International Security once you have completed the required units.

Further study
If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

What jobs can the Master of International Security course lead to?

Careers

  • Strategic policy analyst
  • Defence policy analyst
  • Defence capability and procurement officer
  • Foreign policy officer
  • Military officer
  • Intelligence officer
  • Diplomatic advisor
  • Risk management consultant
  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Federal police officer

Industries

  • Defence/military
  • Foreign affairs
  • Intelligence
  • Law enforcement
  • Media and journalism
  • National security
  • State and federal government

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international security in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
  • critically analyse and interpret major political, socio-economic and policy issues using an international security studies framework
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international security data or theories
  • develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
  • develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
  • develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Why study Master of International Security

Learn from experienced practitioners

Our staff are highly qualified academics with practical experience as senior-level practitioners in policymaking and intelligence.

Strong industry connections

Benefit from our competitive internship programs and connections to international, national and state-based employers.

Excellent reputation

Curtin’s long-standing international relations and international security program has an excellent reputation for producing job-ready graduates.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MC-INTSEC
  • CRICOS code: 117067J
  • Last updated on: 21 November 2024

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