The Master of Strategy and Security is designed for postgraduate scholars, and foreign affairs, security and defence professionals who wish to gain a deeper and more advanced understanding of the factors shaping the global and Asia-Pacific security and strategic environments, and the complex policy challenges presented by the new security agenda. These include: managing international relations, non-state actors, regional and international security regimes, strategic planning, diplomacy and intelligence, traditional and human security, contemporary and historical conflicts, and the role of armed forces.

Students undertaking the Master of Strategy and Security are required to take 8 courses (48 UOC). At least 18 UOC must be selected from the list of core courses, with the remaining courses selected in any combination from the courses listed below.

The key topics will normally be offered annually or at least every two years; the further options will be offered on an opportunity basis.

Core Courses

Students must select a minimum of 3 courses (18 UOC):

Research Projects

The option of undertaking a research project is available to Masters students who attain a high credit average or better in courses worth 24 UOC and is subject to the approval of the Head of School. The research project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher level research qualification. This project may be undertaken in a single session or as a full year course.

Students undertaking the Research Project will not have the option to undertake other courses offered in the Arts, Business or related coursework programs.

ZHSS8400 - Research Project - International and Political Study (Single Session) (12 UOC)
ZHSS8401 - Research Project - International and Political Study (Full Year) (6 UOC x 2 semesters)

1. Entry Requirements

To gain entry into the Masters of Strategy and Security by coursework program an applicant must:

1.1 Have met the requirements of a Bachelor's degree with Honours with a major in a cognate discipline; or

1.2 Have met the requirements of a Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline; or

1.3 Have met the requirements of a 3 or 4-year Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline, which includes a major in the cognate discipline; and have completed at least 3-years full-time professional experience in a cognate discipline; or

1.4 Have met the requirements of a Bachelor degree in a NON-cognate discipline and have completed at least 4-years full-time professional experience in a cognate discipline; or

1.5 Submitted evidence of other academic qualifications and/or professional experience submitted to the Program Authority may be considered based on assessment of evidence of achievement of equivalent learning and in accordance with UNSW Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure.

Cognate Disciplines:

Humanities and Social Science
See UNSW Canberra pathway options for admission to the MStratSec program.


2. Enrolment and Progression

2.1 An application to enrol as a candidate for the degree shall be made via myUNSW or prescribed form and lodged with Student Administrative Services by the advertised date.

2.2 A candidate for the degree must undertake courses and pass assessment as prescribed by UNSW.

2.3 The program of study shall total a minimum of 48 units of credit.

2.4 The Academic Standing of a candidate shall be reviewed at the end of each session. Movement between levels of academic standing is based on progress, measured by cumulative number of failures.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.