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Bachelor of Security Studies

SECS02V2

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Award:
Bachelor of Security Studies (BSecStud)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal, External
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 3 years
Commencement:
North Ryde — Session 1 (February)
North Ryde — Session 2 (July)
External — Session 1 (February)
External — Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 3 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points 72
Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above 39
Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above 18
Completion of a designated People unit
Completion of a designated Planet unit
Completion of a designated PACE unit
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below
Note:
Students must complete one designated People unit and one designated Planet unit. Those units must be taken in two different Faculties. Any unit which is listed below will not satisfy the People unit requirement or Planet unit requirement.

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

100 level

Required
3
Introduction to Security Studies (3)
 
Required
3
Security in an Age of Risk (3)
 
Required
3
Strategy and Security in the Indo-Pacific (3)
 
Required
3
Terrorism in the 21st Century (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Principles of Management (3)
 
 
Introduction to Database Design and Management (3)
 
 
Law, Human Rights and Global Governance (3)
 
 
Introduction to Criminology (3)
 
 
Introduction to Global Politics (3)
 
 
CHN units at 100 level
 
CRO units at 100 level
 
FRN units at 100 level
 
GMN units at 100 level
 
ITL units at 100 level
 
JPS units at 100 level
 
MGK units at 100 level
 
PLH units at 100 level
 
RSN units at 100 level
3
SPN units at 100 level

200 level

Required
3
Intelligence and Counter Intelligence (3)
 
Required
3
National Security: Policy and Strategy (3)
 
Required
3
Modern Warfare (3)
 
Required
3
National Resilience: Crisis Response and Emergency Management (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Business Ethics and Risk Management (3)
 
 
Crime, Policy and Governance (3)
 
 
Fundamentals of Business Analytics (3)
 
 
Policing and Crime (3)
 
 
Australian Governments and Public Policy (3)
 
 
CHIN units at 200 level
 
CHN units at 200 level
 
CRO units at 200 level
 
CROA units at 200 level
 
FRN units at 200 level
 
GMN units at 200 level
 
ITL units at 200 level
 
JPS units at 200 level
 
MGK units at 200 level
 
PLH units at 200 level
 
RSN units at 200 level
3
SPN units at 200 level

300 level

Required
3
Ethics of Security (3)
C/P
Required
3
Insecurity and Development (3)
 
Required
3
Cyber Security in Practice (3)
 
Required
3
Strategies of Political Violence (3)
 
Required
3cp from
 
Strategic Management (3)
 
 
Social Innovation, Governance and Professional Leadership (3)
 
 
Advanced Analytics Techniques (3)
 
 
Global and Strategic Issues in Criminology (3)
 
 
Creating New States (3)
 
 
Australian Foreign Policy (3)
 
 
CHIN units at 300 level
 
CHN units at 300 level
 
CRO units at 300 level
 
FRN units at 300 level
 
GMN units at 300 level
 
ITL units at 300 level
 
JPS units at 300 level
 
MGK units at 300 level
 
PLH units at 300 level
 
RSN units at 300 level
3
SPN units at 300 level

Balance of credit points required:

 
 
27
Electives

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

72
Note:
Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
 
Units marked with a P are PACE units.

Program Learning Outcomes and Additional Information
AQF Level Level 7 Bachelor Degree
CRICOS Code 083744F
Overview and Aims of the Program The Bachelor of Security Studies will develop the knowledge and analytical skills to identify and address traditional and non-traditional security threats. It adopts both national and international perspectives.

The program presents a systematic approach to security studies that covers the key conceptual approaches to identifying and managing security challenges and the diverse threats facing Australia, its region and the world in the twenty-first century. The broad scope of the program reflects the Australian government's expanded definition of national security and targets industry needs for graduate skills and capabilities.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:

KNOWLEDGE
1. identify the sources and dynamics of and policy options to engage contemporary and emerging security threats (K)
2. apply analytical thinking skills to evaluate risk and assess security threats (T)
3. apply and operationalise a range of theoretical principles that are necessary to contextualise traditional and non-traditional security threats (K)

SKILLS
4. present theoretically grounded and empirically supported assessments and policy portfolios within a dynamic security framework (J)
5. demonstrate appreciation and application of ethical principles that manifest a global outlook through engagement with interdisciplinary and international issues, exhibited through analytical and clear written and oral communication (E)
6. communicate acquired knowledge and skills clearly and effectively to a range of professional audiences (C)
7. present theoretically and empirically informed analysis and logical judgements within a dynamic security framework (P)

APPLICATION
8. exhibit theoretically and empirically informed innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges through case based assessment and unit participation (I)
9. analyse theoretical, thematic and practical positions pertinent to professional practice in the field of security studies in preparation for graduate employment and career based professional development (L)
10. select and integrate source based knowledge from a diverse range of positions relevant to the field of security studies which demonstrate social responsibility and appreciation of diversity in the application of relevant policy and professional positions (A).
Learning and Teaching Methods The program includes a range of traditional and innovative teaching and assessment methods to maximize student learning and consolidate competences in a dynamicsimulated policy environment.

Traditional learning activities include:
o face-to-face lectures
o tutorial sessions
o online forum activities
o set readings lists.

Innovative learning activities for this program include:
o pre-recorded visual lectures with supplementary information which can be accessed online
o virtual tutorial discussions using web-seminar software
o face-to-face workshops (scenario-based exercises as 'wargaming' sessions)
o interactive digital tutorial modules
o the use of documentaries in addition to or occasionally in lieu of reading materials for certain topics.

These learning activities are designed to provide learning opportunities across a range of mediums suitable to different types of learners.
Assessment The program utilises a variety of traditional and innovative assessments to assess both academic and vocational skills.

Traditional assessments used in the program include:
o Written assignments (essays and take-home exams) which assess core academic skills, such as critical analysis, content knowledge, research rigor, communication skills and scholarly conventions.

o Online quizzes, which assess foundational content knowledge and develop familiarity with discipline-specific terms and conventions.

Innovative assessments used in the program include:
o Collaborative online activities (e.g. wiki assignments and online scenario participation) that allow distance students to gain work-relevant team participation experience while also allowing individual contributions to be monitored and assessed independently of group outcomes.

o Audiovisual assignments (such as vodcasts) that allow internal and external students to develop public speaking skills and experience in a reduced-stress environment while also familiarising them with the use of web-conferencing technologies widely used in industry.

o Workplace-based written assignments (including applying industry-based analytical tools, using industry relevant analysis software, preparing risk assessment reports and writing policy briefs) that develop industry-relevant skills.

Many of the new technologies available in the security studies field are not employed by any Australia university and represent a significant skills deficit in graduates attempting to enter the industry. The new assessments designed for the BSS program intend to address this shortfall and make BSS graduates the most prepared and desirable candidates across the sector.
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. 


Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl


International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl

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Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability Graduates may find employment across a range of Government agencies and professional bodies, including policing, intelligence, defence, and policy-based institutions and associations. Corporate sector employment opportunities also exist with a boom focus on global interests, particularly where security and offshore assets are involved.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.

2017 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148