| AQF Level |
Level 7 Bachelor Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083744F |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Bachelor of Security Studies will develop awareness and comprehension of traditional and non-traditional security issues, examined from national and international perspectives.
The program presents a contemporary approach to security studies, encompassing risk management strategies, emergency response, national resilience, law enforcement and the use of military force. 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 contemporary and emerging security threats (K)
2. apply critical thinking skills in evaluating risk and threat assessment pertinent to the field of Security Studies (T)
3. explore a range of theoretical principles that are necessary to contextualise traditional and non-traditional security threats (K)
SKILLS
4. present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment (J)
5. demonstrate ethical principles that manifest a global outlook through engagement with interdisciplinary and international issues; evidenced through balanced and clearly considered written and oral communication (E)
6. communicate acquired knowledge and skills effectively to a range of professional audiences (C)
7. present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment (P)
APPLICATION
8. evidence creative and innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges through means of 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 appreciate 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 assessment items to give students skills in academic analysis and practical application in a simulated policy environment.
Traditional learning activities include:
• face-to-face lectures
• tutorial sessions
• online forum activities
• set readings lists.
Innovative learning activities for this program include:
• pre-recorded visual lectures with supplementary information which can be accessed online
• virtual tutorial discussions using web-seminar software
• face-to-face workshops (scenario-based exercises as ‘wargaming’ sessions)
• interactive digital tutorial modules
• the use of documentaries in addition to or 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, particularly those who prefer audiovisual learning materials and interactive activities or discussions. |
| 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:
• Written assignments (essays and take-home exams) which assess core academic skills, such as critical analysis, content knowledge, research rigour, communication skills and scholarly conventions.
• Online quizzes, which assess foundational content knowledge and develop familiarity with discipline-specific terms and conventions.
Innovative assessments used in the program include:
• Collaborative online activities (e.g. wiki assignments and online scenario participation), which allow distance students to gain work-relevant team participation experience while also allowing individual contributions to be monitored and assesses independently of group outcomes.
• Audiovisual assignments (such as vodcasts), which 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 the industry.
• Workplace-based written assignments (including applying industry-based analytical tools, using industry relevant analysis software, preparing risk assessment reports and writing policy briefs), which develop industry-relevant skills.
• Creative assessments which demonstrate work-relevant analysis (e.g. formulating risk frameworks for client needs, creating task allocation processes and developing contingency and business continuity plans to client specifications), which develop creative analytical skills which industry employers value greatly.
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 |
| 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/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| 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 structures. Corporate sector employment opportunities also exist with a boom focus on global interests, particularly where security and offshore assets are an element. |
| 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. |
