Perspectives on Security and Terrorism
Undergraduate
MUR-POL192 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Launch into an investigation of security, terrorism and counterterrorism. Work to understand the relationships terrorism has with religion, democracy and the media. Place your studies in the context of Australia's approach to terrorist threats.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 16 Feb 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $2,125
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Perspectives on Security and Terrorism
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will:
- develop a critical understanding of, and the ability to discuss, the nature of security, risk, terrorism and counter-terrorism.
- develop an understanding of, and the ability to discuss the theoretical frameworks that best explain security and terrorism and to what extent these frameworks can explain Australia's approach to transnational terrorism
- understand the history of terrorism and identify any discernible patterns in counter-terrorism strategies
- identify what central issues confront security agencies and decision-makers in the face of terrorism and what options are available.
- read widely and analyse other people’s works.
- communicate clearly and coherently both orally and in writing.
- Introduction
- The nature of international society
- Security in international society
- Risk in international society
- Terrorism in international society
- Emergence of insurgency
- Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency
- Terrorism and religious intolerance;
- Terrorism and democracy;
- Terrorism and the media
- The UN and counter-terrorism
- Australia and counter-terrorism
NOTE: If you study this subject in Winter, the subject will be a shorter duration (5 weeks) and will require at least 20 hours of study per week.
This subject was previously known as PTR100 Perspectives on Security and Terrorism.
This subject introduces the concepts of security, risk, terrorism and counterterrorism and examines how various agents in international society perceive and employ them. It explains how and why terrorism undermines security and what measures are often taken to counter it. The subject also analyses the relationships between terrorism and religion, the media, democracy and international law. It finally examines the way Australia has responded to terrorist threats since the attacks on the US in September 2001.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
- Interactive oral presentation via Teams and Q & A (20%)
- Research Essay (40%)
- Final invigilated exam (30%)
- Engagement (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-based university in Perth has a strong interdisciplinary focus and a reputation for outstanding teaching and ground-breaking research. With more than 25,000 students and 2,400 staff from over 90 countries, and campuses in Dubai and Singapore, Murdoch embraces free thinking, shared ideas and knowledge to make a difference, and Open Universities Australia is certainly part of that.
Learn more about Murdoch University.
Explore Murdoch courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 27
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 26
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MUR-PTR100 (Not currently available)
Others
It is recommended that students complete a foundation subject before starting this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Global Security (Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies)
Undergraduate
MUR-BGS-DEGSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.