Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism

Swinburne Online

Australia, Melbourne

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Home/Australia/Melbourne /Swinburne Online/Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism

Swinburne Online

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMarch-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 2,124 / per unit

Next Intake March-2026

Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism

About

As a student of security and counter terrorism, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting difference to our community.

You’ll be taught by experts from a range of professional backgrounds, such as human rights lawyers and politicians, who will give you industry-level knowledge of these vital topics.

In this flexible course, you’ll learn about the changing nature of security in the twenty-first century. Topics covered include cybersecurity and the role of technology in contemporary warfare, as well as the major institutions and players in international politics, and strategies for countering violent extremism and radicalisation. You’ll also be able to tailor half of your degree to study the themes that interest you most, by taking electives or studying related social science topics.

With every unit designed to boost your professionalism, you’ll graduate with an understanding of the complex issues that inform and influence security, terrorism, and human rights. You’ll learn how create reports which unpack complex issues, giving you the skills to contribute to the strategic and operational protection of national security.

Students who complete this course can become job-ready for roles in risk analysis, security advisory, intelligence analysis, counter terrorism consulting, overseas aid and development and more.

What will you learn?

Cybersecurity: Examine the role of technology in the changing nature of warfare.
Countering Violent Extremism: Explore contemporary issues in counter-terrorism such as radicalisation.
International Politics: Gain an understanding of the major institutions, events and issues in international politics.
Dictators & Democrats: Examine the key concepts of Political Science and comparative political systems.
International Relations: Explore the role of the United Nations and the problems associated with global governance.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Year 12 entry

VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

Credit arrangements

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.

Diploma entry pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.

Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.

Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.

English Program Requirements

English language tests

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

IELTS

IELTS have over 1,000 testing centres worldwide and run testing throughout the year. Use the IELTS worldwide search to find a testing centre near you.

TOEFL

The TOEFL test is administered worldwide through a network of testing centres. Use the TOEFL Testing Location Search to find a testing centre near you.

Minimum entry score: IELTS

Overall 6.5
With no band below 6

Minimum entry score: TOEFL

Paper Based: 550 (With a written English score of 5)
Internet Based: 79 (With no individual band below 18)

Test results

Once you have received your test results simply contact us via our online application form or by contacting our Course Consultants on 1300 069 765.

Career

Kick-start your meaningful career

The Bachelor of Social Science – Security and Counter Terrorism prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation through industry connections embedded in your degree:

Professional Teaching: Learn from experts with practical, real-world experience who are ready to share their knowledge with you.
Networking: Develop professional connections with your peers as you collaborate on projects and learn industry level skills.
Learn conflict resolution: In this course you’ll develop practical skills to understand the nature of conflict and how it can be resolved, a skill that is highly valued in the workplace.