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Master of Security and Strategic Studies

SSS01MOUA

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Award:
Master of Security and Strategic Studies (MSecStratStud)
Admission Requirement:
• Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification (or recognised equivalent) in the social sciences, or humanities, or related field; or Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification (or recognised equivalent) in any field with relevant work experience
• GPA of 4.0 (out of 7.0)
Required Supporting Documents:
• CV, Academic transcript, copy of degrees.
• Reference letter from employer (if applicable).
• Statement of motivation.
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:
External
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 1.5 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of units at 800 level or above 12
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

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

Specific minimum requirements:

Units of study

800 level

Required
1
Critical Thought and Research Design (1)
 
Required
1
Strategic Thinking (1)
 
Required
1
Geopolitics and Geostrategy (1)
 
Required
1
Transnational Security (1)
 
Required
1
Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy (1)
 
Required
1
Simulation in Security and Strategy (1)
 
Required
six of
 
Terrorism (1)
 
 
Cyber Terrorism and Information Warfare (1)
 
 
History of Intelligence (1)
 
 
Cyber Crime (1)
 
 
International Policing and Counter Terrorism (1)
 
 
Intelligence: Theory and Practice (1)
 
6
The Crimes of the Powerful (1)
 

TOTAL UNITS OF STUDY REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

12

AQF Level Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree
Overview and Aims of the Program Given the dynamic changes in the international and regional security environment, there is a growing demand for students with specialist combined knowledge in security and strategic studies. The aim of the program is to provide students with a deep understanding of the theory and practice of security and strategy studies. This includes in-depth knowledge of Australia’s emerging security and defence environment in the 21st Century. The program further seeks to equip students with practical skills in terms of thinking through complex security problems in a systematic way in order to enhance their employment opportunities. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in security and strategic studies. They provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level. Electives allow students to focus on other aspects of security, including cyber security, counter terrorism, intelligence and criminology.
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:

1. Demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories in the field of security and strategic studies.

2. Apply disciplinary knowledge to critically analyse and explain real world security/strategic issues.

3. Transfer, integrate and use disciplinary techniques and methods for problem solving purpose and to develop solutions to real world security/strategic issues.

4. Apply disciplinary knowledge to analyse and evaluate counter security/strategy-related policies.

5. Apply disciplinary knowledge to develop and formulate innovative security/strategy-related policies.

6. Demonstrate ethically and socially informed judgments on the development and implementation of security/strategy-related policies.

7. Communicate disciplinary knowledge to professional and academic audiences.

8. Demonstrate critical thinking abilities and apply them in a strategic context.
Learning and Teaching Methods The program develops students’ advanced discipline-specific knowledge in the field of security and strategic studies, as well as a range of analytic, evaluative and communications skills. It then directs them to critically apply their knowledge to real world security issues.

Students will develop a range of communication skills. These include academic writing skills, presentation skills and report and policy based writing. This reflects a pedagogy grounded in praxis, where theoretical knowledge and research is informed by contemporary experience in order to inform evaluation of security-related decisions and policies.

Learning and Teaching methods for units in the MCT (OUA) include but are not limited to online lectures (through Ilearn/Echo360), discussion forums, video-conferencing, and case studies analysis.
Assessment The Program Learning Outcomes are tested and assessed during the program using a combination of coursework assignments, academic essays, quizzes, oral presentations, group work, as well as policy briefs. Throughout the program students are given formative assessments and feedback on their progress.
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.


Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl

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 will be equipped to work in a range of government, non-government and private employment, including:
• Department of Defence
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Australian Border Force
• International/Regional organizations
• Think tanks and policy advising.
• Media
• Defence and security related business and industry
• International Non-Government Organisations
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.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.

Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:

Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.

Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements



2019 Unit Information

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