Master of National Security Policy

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. It offers a world-class qualification in national security in ways that emphasise the preservation of democracy. 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. The 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. The degree equips graduates equally for careers in government agencies or for the many other professional pathways where it matters to understand 21st century security.