Master of International Security,MC-INTSEC

Overview

A career in international security is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote national safety and determine our collective future.

This course will equip you with effective critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations and security studies, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Across 1.5 years of study, you’ll gain expertise in national strategy, policymaking, intelligence and law enforcement.

Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you’ll explore the traditional topics of war, peace and strategy, as well as newer dimensions of security, including environmental and climate change, disinformation and cyber power, humanitarian and cultural issues, transnational networks, and emerging technologies.

You can choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as intelligence, strategy or regional security.

In your final year, you’ll develop advanced research and policymaking skills through a professional work placement or research project/dissertation.

Curtin graduates have embarked on careers in Australia and around the world, contributing to critical discussions on topics such as the AUKUS alliance, China’s expanding power, the Ukraine war and the emergence of global extremism.

Intermediate awards
You may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma of International Security once you have completed the required units.

Further study
If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

What you'll learn

• apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international security in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
• critically analyse and interpret major political, socio-economic and policy issues using an international security studies framework
• communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international security data or theories
• develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
• develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
• develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Entry requirements

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

Have your supporting documents to hand, and ensure they meet our guidelines. The documents may include certified copies of your qualifications, English language proficiency documents and supplementary forms for certain courses.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.

See our pre-departure resources for helpful information regarding your move to Perth.