Master of Philosophy, National Security College

The Australian National University provides Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. The MPhil in National Security Policy (NSPO) offered by the National Security College gives students the opportunity to research a topic of their choosing in the areas of national security policy, operations and theory. The study of national security encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, from political theory, social policy, history, legal studies, international relations and economics. As an MPhil student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master of Philosophy program in the National Security College you are required to have achieved:

(a) a degree of bachelor, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, from an Australian university; or

(b) another qualification that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in paragraph (a); or

(c) a combination of qualifications and professional experience that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in paragraph (a).

Employment Opportunities

Career options following the MPhil include many opportunities in addition to an academic path. Some of our alumni are engaged in senior public policy positions in state and federal government, working in both security and non-security roles. Others have taken on positions in non-government organisations, international institutions and the private sector.