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Study postgraduate online with Macquarie University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

The analytical toolkit and professional know-how developed through Macquarie University’s Master of Intelligence can help you and your team navigate the uncertainty of today’s increasingly complex security challenges, from great power competition to transnational crime, climate change and beyond. In studying this course you will gain in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of intelligence studies; the evolution of the intelligence enterprise in Australia and around the world; and the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges for intelligence. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse intelligence challenges, based on real world examples. The core units focus on synthesising the latest developments in intelligence theory and practice in order to help build your profile as an intelligence professional. Elective choice allows you to also focus on other aspects of security, including counter terrorism, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Dive deep into real world global intelligence issues. Secure practical skills analysing intelligence challenges. Think critically and make ethical judgements.

Master of Intelligence

In studying this course you will develop an understanding of the different dimensions of security issues and criminology. All units are provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology and focus on synthesising the latest developments in security studies and criminology. These units of study will provide you an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level.

Study national and global security issues and criminology. Delve into online terrorism and the intelligence tradecraft. Secure skills to critically apply criminal research. Make ethical and socially informed decisions about complex problems.

Graduate Certificate of Security Studies and Criminology

In a changing international and strategic environment, there is a growing demand for people with specialised knowledge in security and strategic studies. In studying this course you will have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of security and strategy studies. This includes in-depth knowledge of Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st Century. The course further seeks to equip you with practical skills in terms of thinking through complex security problems in a systematic way in order to enhance your employment opportunities. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in security and strategic studies. They will provide you with an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level. The elective units will allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including cyber security, counter terrorism, intelligence and criminology.

Understand and unlock complex security problems. Develop an in-depth knowledge about Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st century. Choose your specialisation and focus on the latest developments. Think critically and ethically.

Master of Security and Strategic Studies

In studying this course you will develop an in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of counter terrorism studies; the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges related to terrorism and its implications for counter terrorism approaches and policies; and the evolution of Australia’s counter terrorism strategies and policies. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse counter terrorism challenges, based on real world examples. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in counter terrorism theory and practices. The elective units allow you to focus on other aspects of security, including intelligence, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Investigate domestic, regional and international counter terrorism practices and strategies. Secure a practical skillset analysing worldwide counter terrorism methods and tactics. Acquire intelligence, cyber security and criminology knowledge. Make ethical and social judgements.

Master of Counter Terrorism

Australia and Cyber Intelligence

Policing Investigations and Intelligence

Applied Cyber Security

Intelligence Analysis

Counter-Terrorism Law

Intelligence : Theory and Practice

History of Intelligence

Strategic Thinking

Anarchists, Terrorists, and Freedom Fighters

Law, Crime and Justice

This subject was previously known as PICX844 Intelligence AnalysisThis unit provides students with a deeper appreciation of the complexities of intelligence analysis and exposure to the analytical tools and methodologies that will help them better understand and potentially contribute as intelligence professionals. Students will consider some of the common challenges involved in intelligence analysis and assess the strategies used to mitigate bias and error. Students will apply what they have learned to conceptualise, design, and build intelligence analytical products, providing real-world focus and experience.

An advanced exploration of the analytical tools and methodologies used by intelligence professionals. Design and build intelligence analytical products to give a real-world focus to your study, including foresight and scenario planning.

This subject was previously known as PICX843 International Policing and Counter Terrorism
This subject introduces students to key issues and challenges of the new global terrorism which emerged after the end of the Cold War. The subject begins by exploring the seminal events of 9-11, the nature and challenge of the new global terrorism and the responses of the Subjected States and other key states to it. The subject then examines the definition, causes and tactics of terrorist groups, as well as various terrorism typologies, which illustrate the diversity and complexity of terrorist groups and motivations. The subject also assesses counter-terrorism strategies as well as international counter-terrorism and policing cooperation. This subject utilizes perspectives and knowledge drawn from history, terrorism studies, foreign policy, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to examine, in a holistic manner, the phenomenon of contemporary terrorism and how to counter it.

Investigate law enforcement and policing by studying social and legal systems, economic development, conflict and the globalisation of crime. Analyse the major global policing systems and compare and contrast the merits of each.

International Terrorism

This subject was formerly known as PICX837 Terrorism Dynamics
This subject examines the complex webs of networks and relationships involved in the development and evolution of violent extremism. These dynamics will be examined through a socio-cultural theoretical framework that draws upon contemporary terrorist scholarship including social media analysis and facilitates a critical examination of violent extremism. The subject will expose students to the complex web of socio-cultural, psychological, ideological, political and economic dynamics that produce, sustain, evolve and dissolve terrorism and violent extremism. Real world case-studies drawing on violent extremist activities, counter policies and initiatives will assist students in the formulation of sustained and persuasive arguments and techniques relating to current and future trends and patterns in the field of terrorist studies.  The subject will establish a strong grounding in the theoretical constructs and techniques for a future career in the broader security discipline.

Consider the supporting dynamics of terrorism including ideology, communication channels, financing, criminal networks and logistics. Analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism.

Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism

This subject was previously known as PICX802 Terrorismew security issues define our times more than that of terrorism. This unit provides a solid foundation for terrorism studies at a postgraduate level, encouraging students to build a thorough understanding of the complex definitions, history, manifestations, and transformation of terrorism around the world. Terrorism will be critically examined as a tactic, as a strategy, and as a mode of communication. Students will explore the wider effects that terrorist discourse plays in contemporary global society, including debates around the nature and drivers of Islamist terrorism and key groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIL. The unit will also critically examine a series of current themes and questions in terrorism studies such as relationship between religion and terrorism, the media and terrorism, the realities of cyber and nuclear terrorism, the future of terrorism, and how academics can successfully conduct terrorism field research.

Research the history of terrorism around the world. Decipher modern terrorism tactics, strategies and communication methods. Question regional and global responses, terrorist overreach and state overreaction.

Advanced Terrorism Studies

This subject was previously known as PICX818 Global Counter Terrorism in the Australian Context
This subject will examine the structure and components of global counter-terrorism policies and initiatives. It will explore the relationships between foreign policy, international relations, and community dynamics exposing students to the complexity involved in delivering and evaluating effective solutions to the dynamic security threats posed by violent extremism. It will consider the complex and inter-connected roles played by organisations at a global, national and local level including the United Nations, Attorney General’s Department, Office of Premier and Cabinet, Multicultural NSW and a range of NGOs. Contemporary literature drawn from terrorism studies and real-world case-studies will expose students to important theoretical arguments relating to radicalisation, deradicalisation, and desistance and how these impact on the delivery of effective counterterrorism strategies.

You’ll explore strategic counter terrorism with a focus on radicalisation, countering violent extremism and terrorist narratives. Debate responses, how terrorism ends and the relationship between counter terrorism and human rights. 

Counter Terrorism in the Global and Australian Contexts

This subject was previously known as PICX814 The Intelligence Community in AustraliaThis unit provides students with an opportunity to examine the intelligence enterprise within a broader political, social, and moral context. Intelligence agencies are necessary to protect modern liberal democratic states; however, their work challenges the very democratic principles and freedoms on which those states were founded. Intelligence work can involve breaking the laws of other nations and making difficult moral choices. In this unit, students will consider the ethical challenges faced at each stage of the intelligence cycle and investigate the role, purpose and efficacy of systems of intelligence oversight and accountability. Students will apply what they have learned to conceptualise, research, and present intelligence products, building practical skills and experience.

Comprehend the framework for effective and efficient production and use of intelligence analysis for national security. Examine contemporary internal and external national security threats and the practices needed to combat them. 

Intelligence Ethics and Oversight

This subject was previously known as PICX813 The History of Intelligence
This subject considers how and why the practices of intelligence professionals and the organisations in which those professionals work have changed over time. It covers both ancient and modern intelligence, but focuses mostly on the post-World War II era. In surveying this history of intelligence as part of the broader development of national security policies and institutions, the subject provides context for some of the debates and discussions around intelligence today. In closely examining selected case studies of intelligence success and failure, students will develop their own skills in historical and analytical thinking - skills that are integral elements of intelligence tradecraft

Gain a thorough understanding of the history of intelligence via political, economic, social, technological and military perspectives. Research and evaluate the advance of technology and how it has affected intelligence collection and analysis.

The subject was previously know as PICX812 Critical Thought and Research Design
This subject is a graduate seminar that provides training for student proficiency in critical thinking and research design. The degree content utilises inter-disciplinary approaches and methods for the social sciences. Students will practice advanced reading and writing skills, examine the logic of inquiry, investigate methodologies and theoretical approaches, and evaluate diverse sources. Students will then progress to applying their advanced research skills through critical thinking and problem-solving. They will examine what are concepts and measures, how to understand causation and correlation, as well as use and apply qualitative, quantitative and multi-methods research. Students will be assessed based on their application of skills to practice, both in formulating research design and presenting their research for broader consumption.

Hone your reading, writing and analytical skills. Select key sources and investigate their worth using established methodologies. Sharpen your ability to logically break down evidence. Apply what you’ve learnt and develop a strategic research design.

Course results for Macquarie University Postgraduate Security & counter terrorism Subjects

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