Graduate Certificate in Terrorism and Security Studies
Postgraduate
CSU-TSS-GCE 2025Course information for 2025 intake
Forge a career in national security
Begin to unpack the history and complexities of terrorism. You’ll explore various forms of political, ideological, and religious violence. Get ready to work with governments and support civil and community organisations.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Graduate Certificate in Terrorism and Security Studies
About this degree
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate specialised and systematic knowledge of terrorism drivers, enablers, and causes in order to critique and explain historical and contemporary threats in the terrorism and security field.
- Identify and apply specialised knowledge of concepts, theory, and principles to evaluate sub-national terrorist organisations, operations, and networks, to assess counter terrorism approaches in terrorism and security contexts.
- Apply analytical thinking skills to examine complex ideas, concepts, and intelligence in order to make threat assessments in a range of terrorism and security contexts.
- Apply established online research methods to investigate and illustrate patterns and relationships through the exploitation of literature, datasets and open source intelligence to respond to a range of complex professional and industry requirements.
- Critically consider responses to terrorism and security issues and ideas and identify the impact of personal values on professional practice and ethical decision-making.
- Synthesise knowledge and theory of terrorism and security issues to communicate effectively to inform and provides insight to a variety of terrorism and security stakeholders.
- Develop and demonstrate knowledge leadership by communicating professionally, critically, and objectively in order to influence professional practice.
This security studies course focuses on giving you an integrated understanding of the complex context of terrorism and other security-related issues.
Study at your own place and pace
Delivered online, this course provides the flexibility to fit study around your existing work, family or other commitments. Successful completion of the graduate certificate provides an entry pathway to the Graduate Diploma and Master of Terrorism and Security Studies.
Consolidate your career path
Throughout this course you'll develop a sophisticated understanding of the history of terrorism, critically analyse contemporary terrorism threats, apply existing theoretical frameworks and synthesise these through the production of research assessments. You'll develop your expertise in interpreting and transmitting this knowledge and understanding to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, while demonstrating autonomy, judgement and adaptability in its application.
Align your knowledge with current practice
Designed and delivered in collaboration with industry leaders, this course ensures that you'll be able to critically analyse and consider terrorism threats and counter-terrorism responses, and to evaluate complex policy responses to terrorism. You'll develop skills across the initiation, planning, implementation and evaluation of various counter-terrorism activities and policies in your area of responsibility.
Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security
Established in 1993, Charles Sturt's Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS) is a leading provider of postgraduate research and education for professionals in law enforcement, emergency management and security. Faculty members are leaders in their fields and have significant experience and academic expertise, offering you a unique advantage in furthering your knowledge and expertise in this emerging field.
Recommended study pattern
Due to the flexibility within this set of courses, there is no prescribed enrolment pattern. Students must complete core subject GPM417 first, but may then choose the order in which they undertake the remaining subjects. Students must also meet any pre-requisite requirements of elective subjects.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $8,496
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
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- 31
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 37
How to apply
Charles Sturt University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Charles Sturt University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
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Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree or relevant industry experience.
An undergraduate degree or relevant industry experience.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
Career opportunities
The counter-terrorism and security industry has a broad range of career opportunities across government and private arenas. Contribute to military intelligence or work to support law enforcement, civil and community organisations. Work with well-equipped and multidisciplinary specialist teams to take a proactive approach to identify and respond to national and international security risks. Liaise with partner agencies to ensure responses meet requirements, to deliver information in response to operational activities and to secure appropriate support where required.