Master of National Security Policy

Study in-person or online

In 2024, 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.

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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.

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.

Apply by 31 Jan 2024 for Semester 1 2024 and by 31 May 2024 for Semester 2 2024.

International students

Find ANU's general application and acceptance deadlines by visiting the webpage linked here.

Key dates for application:

* Semester 2 2024 intake:

Final closing date: 15 April 2024
Final acceptance date: 1 June 2024*

Orientation and Pre-Sessional Program (PSP) are from 11 January to 9 February 2024 for S1 2024 and from 13 June to 12 July 2024 for S2 2024.

* Semester 1 2025 intake:

Final closing date: 15 October 2024
Final acceptance date: 1 December 2024*

*Some students may need to accept well before this date to allow for visa processing times in their country.

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM GUIDE

Contact Crawford.Degrees@anu.edu.au for inquiries.