Bachelor of Security Studies
SES01BOUA
| Minimum number of units for the degree | 24 |
| Minimum number of units at 200 level or above | 14 |
| Minimum number of units at 300 level or above | 6 |
| Completion of a designated People unit | |
| Completion of a designated Planet unit | |
| 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
100 level
200 level
300 level
TOTAL UNITS OF STUDY REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The Bachelor of Security Studies will develop awareness and comprehension of a broad spectrum of traditional and non-traditional security issues, examined from a national, regional and global context. Engaging critical thinking and analytical skills, the degree will present a contemporary focus relevant to graduate employment opportunities and in line with the Australian government’s expanded definition of national security. From national security challenges to principles of policing, intelligence and counter-terrorism; and engaging with contemporary security challenges and strategic practices, this specialized degree incorporates offerings from politics, anthropology and studies of law to provide graduates the most comprehensive and practical Security Studies program in Australia. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: Identify contemporary and emerging security threats. (k) Apply critical thinking skills in evaluating risk and threat assessment pertinent to the field of Security Studies. (t) Explore a range of theoretical principles that are necessary to contextualise traditional and non-traditional security threats. (k) Skills: Present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment. (j) 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) Communicate acquired knowledge and skills effectively to a range of professional audiences. (c) Present informed, considered and logical judgements within a framework relevant to a dynamic security environment. (p) Application Evidence creative and innovative solutions to contemporary security challenges through means of case based assessment and unit participation. (i) 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) 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: 1. Lectures. 2. Tutorial sessions. 3. Online forum activities. 4. Set readings lists. Innovative learning activities for this program include: 1. Pre-recorded visual lectures with supplementary information which can be accessed online. 2. Virtual tutorial discussions using web-seminar software. 3. Interactive digital tutorial modules. 4. 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: 1. 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. 2. Online quizzes, which assess foundational content knowledge and develop familiarity with discipline-specific terms and conventions. Innovative assessments used in the program include: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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 International Students |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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