Master of National Security Policy
Overview
Further information
Program Coordinator
Convenor
In a disrupted world, there has never been a more critical time to understand security.
Study in-person or online
In 2025, all graduate courses offered by the Crawford School will be available for either in-person or online study. All students are expected to attend live sessions at particular times each week for their courses. Crawford online courses are not ‘study at your own pace’. International students studying on an Australian student visa should enrol in in-person courses.
Participation
Real-time interaction, discussion and debate between students and with convenors is a central part of the learning experience. Attendance at interactive classes is important for both on campus and online students.
About the program
The Master of National Security Policy degree offers a world-class and policy-oriented qualification in national security, in line with the vision of the National Security College (NSC) as a joint initiative between The Australian National University and the Australian Government.
Our students learn about policy analysis, policy making and policy leadership.
Core courses provide foundations in concepts and practical policy skills, with a focus on navigating the national security landscape in Australia and the wider world.
Electives examine the horizon of present and future risks, from pandemics, foreign interference, terrorism and cyber attacks through to Indo-Pacific geopolitics, US-China tensions, information warfare, technological disruption, energy and environmental concerns. To address these challenges, students may develop a policy grounding in security-related aspects of such areas as bureaucracy, politics, ethics, history, risk-management, leadership and civil-military relations.
In recognition of the multidisciplinary and dynamic nature of contemporary national security, we also allow a wide range of electives elsewhere at ANU: our students shape their own security journey.
This Master’s degree offers a signature teaching model: each course integrates academic expertise from NSC, the Crawford School and across ANU with the insights of leading policy practitioners from Australia and internationally, drawing on the NSC’s trusted networks. Scenario and simulation exercises apply your knowledge to real policy challenges. This policy-oriented teaching provides our students with direct access to the world of government, enabling informed career choices. Our students become part of a supportive community of national security alumni, with opportunities to get involved in the wider public policy activities of the National Security College in Australia’s capital.
This degree equips graduates for careers in government – across the full spectrum of policy departments and intelligence agencies. It also prepares students for the many other professional pathways – in academia, the private sector, international organisations, media and civil society - where it matters to understand 21st century security.
Application Deadlines
Please note application deadlines are different for domestic and international students.
Domestic students
This program is without Pre-Sessional Program (PSP) component for domestic students.
• Semester 1 2025 intake:
Application closing date: 31 Jan 2025
Acceptance date: 12 Feb 2025
Start date: 17 Feb 2025
• Semester 2 2025 intake:
Application closing date: 30 June 2025
Acceptance date: 14 July 2025
Start date: 21 July 2025
International students
Find ANU’s general application and acceptance deadlines by visiting the webpage linked here.
Key dates for application:
• Semester 1 2025 intake for private applicants:
Application closing date: 31 Oct 2024
Final acceptance date: 1 Dec 2024*
Start date: 13 Jan 2025
• Semester 1 2025 intake for scholarship/partnership applicants:
Application closing date: 15 Dec 2025
Final acceptance date: 3 Jan 2025*
Start date: 13 Jan 2025
• Semester 2 2025 intake for private applicants:
Application closing date: 15 April 2025
Final acceptance date: 15 May 2025*
Start date: 12 June 2025
• Semester 2 2025 intake for scholarship/partnership applicants:
Application date: 15 April 2025
Final acceptance date: 15 May 2025*
Start date: 12 June 2025
*Some students may need to accept well before this date to allow for visa processing times in their country.
Contact Crawford.Degrees@anu.edu.au for inquiries.
Degree structure
Further information
Program Coordinator
Convenor
Duration
1-1.5 years full-time depending on credit.
Admission requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements.
A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5/7. Or, for alternative requirements, click the link here.
Credit
Applicants with a Bachelor Degree, Bachelor degree with Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester, four courses).
Cognate disciplines
If you have prior study in one of the following cognate disciplines, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree:
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Development Studies, Governance, History, International Affairs, International Relations, Law, Non Language Asian Studies, Pacific Studies, Policy Studies, Public Administration, Political Communication, Political Sciences, Security Studies, Strategic Studies.
Program structure
The Master of National Security Policy degree offers a set of core compulsory courses combined with a range of electives so that you can design a degree program that best suits your career and educational goals.
As a flexible and multi-disciplinary degree, the Master of National Security Policy also enables you to study a range of quality elective courses from similar fields across the ANU campus.
Please consult the full program guide for more information about degree program structure, admission requirements, and academic rules.
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 Master of National Security Policy | Academic program guide | 3.25 MB |
Your career
Further information
Program Coordinator
Convenor
Your career
Whether your career aspirations lie in government, the private sector, international organisations or the media, a degree from the NSC can help you achieve them. The NSC’s graduate programs will give you both a strong theoretical underpinning and a practical understanding of the national, regional and global security challenges that will shape the 21st century. You’ll be taught by leaders in their fields and gain access to top Australian and overseas officials from government and the private sector.
At the ANU National Security College, you’ll be part of a new generation of professionals from across Australia and around the world who are engaging with applied national security policymaking in Australia’s capital. You’ll gain an internationally respected qualification in national security with a focus on the dynamic Indo-Pacific region and develop the skills and networks you’ll need to further your career.
Academics
Danielle Ireland-Piper
Associate Professor and Academic Director of National Security College
Contact details
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Scholarships and fees
Further information
Program Coordinator
Convenor
ANU National Security College scholarships
The College offers several scholarships, all of which are outlined here. For additional information and to apply, please contact crawford.degrees@anu.edu.au.
ANU scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship, and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
Updated: 21 November 2024/Responsible Officer: Crawford Engagement/Page Contact: CAP Web Team
