Master of Counter Terrorism

Macquarie University

Australia, Sydney

University RankQS Ranking

133

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/Australia/Sydney /Macquarie University/Master of Counter Terrorism

Macquarie University

Australia , Sydney

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

095113E

Campuses

North Ryde

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines23-Feb-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 18 month(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 43,300 / year

Next Intake 23-Feb-2026

Master of Counter Terrorism

About

Terrorism is becoming exceedingly complex. Changes to society and technology have increased our vulnerability to terrorist attacks and have given unprecedented power to terrorists. To defend themselves, governments and businesses need analysts who have the knowledge, skills and creativity to understand the dynamic and complex systems that terrorists are leveraging. Specialists in counterterrorism are, therefore, in demand by the Australian Government, as well as by the private sector.

The practice-oriented Master of Counter Terrorism will prepare you to analyse real-world counterterrorism challenges. You’ll learn about the theory and practice of counterterrorism studies; the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges related to terrorism and their implications for counterterrorism approaches and policies; and the evolution of Australia’s counterterrorism strategies and policies.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Simple steps to entry at Macquarie

Meet the academic requirements

Meet the minimum English language requirements

Guide to admission points

Table Description

Complete this degree in:

If you meet the below or hold a recognised equivalent*:

Course structure:

1.5 years

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Flexible Zone, Core Zone (120 credit points)

View course structure

1 year

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent

Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
- Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Core zone (80 credit points)

View course structure

Related fields for prior qualifications

Social Sciences, Humanities

Relevant experience

Police Force, Defence Force, Public Service, Law, Policy advising, defence and security related industry and business, media, international policy think tanks.

AQF levels

*'Bachelor’s qualification' relates to an AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent.

Guide to University terminology

Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.

View our guide

Convert your qualification to a WAM

At Macquarie, WAM is used to measure your academic achievement instead of GPA. Use this tool to find how your qualification converts to Macquarie's required WAM.

If your qualification does not fit into any of the above categories, or if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to submit an application and it will be assessed by our admissions team.

The information on this page is a guide only and is based on your selections. They are subject to change.

Complete your degree sooner

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Recognition of prior learning

With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.

Find out more

Your prior learning may consist of:

Formal learning
Informal and non-formal learning

English language requirements

All Macquarie University applicants are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The standard of English required for entry is based on the IELTS Academic test. Other accepted evidence of English proficiency, including minimum scores on other English tests and qualifications, can be checked using the conversion tool.

The required standard of English for this degree is:

The required standard of English

IELTS band

Minimum score required

Overall

6.5

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

You may also satisfy the English language requirements by:

passing an approved English language test at the required level
holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction
completing an approved high school qualification or foundation program with study in English
completing an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

What if I don't meet the requirements?

If you don’t meet the English requirements for your course, you may be issued an offer of study that includes an English preparation program at the Macquarie University English Language Centre (ELC). If you receive a packaged offer, you can apply for a single student visa covering both your English preparation program and your course.

The length of your English program will depend on your current English level and the minimum English requirements for your course. Our admissions team will be able to recommend the number of weeks required when you submit your application.

What English language tests are approved?

We accept the IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (internet-based), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), and the Occupational English Test (OET).

English language qualification convertor

English Test
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
Foundation program
High school English subject
Other evidence
Qualification from an English-speaking country

The information on this page is for guidance only and is subject to change.

Additional information and requirements

Assumed knowledge

None.

Recommended studies

None.

Inherent requirements

To be eligible to graduate from your course, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of that course.

View inherent requirements

Career

Career outcomes

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Take the next step in your career

So that you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills employers require now and in the future, we design many of our degrees and courses in consultation with a range of industries and sectors. Having such experts involved in creating the fundamentals of your degree or course provides you with opportunities to contextualise your learning, and gain the latest career insights.

Professions

Academic
Counterterrorism expert
Detective
Intelligence analyst
Police officer
Researcher
Risk analyst
Security analyst

Employers

Australian Border Force
Community organisations
Defence agencies
Defence forces
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
International organisations
Marketing and public relations firms
NGOs
Police and law enforcement agencies
Policy institutes

Think tanks and policy research institutes

Career information

Job Outlook – an Australian Government initiative – makes it easy to find career information, including the outlook, pay, main tasks, and physical and other demands of careers that interest you.

Explore careers on Job Outlook

Multiply your employability

In-built internships

Study a degree with built-in practical experiences, and get an invaluable head start in your career.

Degrees with internships

Co-designed degrees

Study a degree co-designed with industry, and graduate with the knowledge and skills employers want.

Learn more about our degrees

Career service

Get help preparing a résumé, identifying job opportunities and connecting with employers.

View job opportunities

I enrolled in a degree specialising in intelligence to expand my knowledge and focus my career. Completing an internship with a NSW Police Force cybercrime unit was one of the highlights of my degree. The sector is amazingly diverse – the people working in it approach it from multiple perspectives. I'm now working as a cybersecurity consultant.

Sabina Baunin

Postgraduate alumni in security, intelligence and criminology