Master of National Security Policy

Upon successful completion of the study, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary and emerging national security challenges affecting Australia;
2. Develop an intellectually rigorous conception of national security connecting theoretical, historical and practical perspectives;
3. Use concepts and frameworks to critically analyse complex and contemporary issues in the area of national security;
4. Demonstrate a working understanding of the context, processes, challenges and options for national security policy development and implementation;
5. Communicate ideas, analysis, and arguments on national security.

This degree prepares new generations of national security policymakers, analysts, researchers and leaders, in line with the vision of the National Security College as a unique joint initiative between The Australian National University and the Australian Government.

The program offers a world-class qualification in national security. Core courses provide foundations in concepts and practical policy skills, with a focus on navigating the Australian security landscape. Electives examine the horizon of present and future risks, from pandemics, climate change, terrorism and cyber attacks through to Indo-Pacific geopolitical crises, US-China tensions, foreign interference and information warfare. To address these challenges, students may choose a policy grounding in security-related aspects of such areas as law, bureaucracy, politics, ethics, history, intelligence, geoeconomics, risk-management, civil-military relations, migration, gender, energy and critical technologies.

This Masters degree is designed around a signature teaching model: each course integrates academic expertise from NSC, Crawford and across ANU with the direct insights of leading policy practitioners from Australia and internationally, drawing on the NSC’s exceptional networks. This degree equips graduates equally for careers in government agencies or for the many other professional pathways where it matters to understand 21st century security.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include: 

• National Security Policymaking
• National Security: Concepts and Methods

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

The 1.5 year degree requires the completion of 72 units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $58,810

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.

Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.

Learn more about ANU.

Explore ANU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

• Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 5/7; or
• Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• Bachelor degree or international equivalent with GPA 4/7 and a Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7; or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• 48 units of courses in a postgraduate program with a GPA of 4/7.

• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
•  A minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

Applications must show English language proficiency by meeting ANU's English Language Requirements for admission to study this course.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units.