Program Overview

Master of International Security

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.

Course Essentials

• Qualification: Master of International Security
• Duration: 1 year, 6 months full-time
• Credit: 300
• CRICOS: J
• Location: Curtin Perth

Admission Criteria

• A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.
• English requirements:
  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
    • Writing: 6
    • Speaking: 6
    • Reading: 6
    • Listening: 6
    • Overall band score: 6.5

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $23,016 (2025 Fee year)
• Fees are indicative only.

Location

• Curtin Perth: On campus and online

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Curtin Perth: Apply now

What Can I Do with a Degree in Master of International Security

• Make Australia a safer place: Influence the key decisions that keep Australia safe and determine our collective future.
• Pursue a meaningful career: There is a growing need for experts who can use their strong technical, analytical and critical thinking skills to enhance good decision-making.
• Work in diverse settings: You can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or IAEA, cyber security or consultancy firms, media companies, or academia and research.

Careers

• Strategic policy analyst
• Defence policy analyst
• Defence capability and procurement officer
• Foreign policy officer
• Military officer
• Intelligence officer
• Diplomatic advisor
• Risk management consultant
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Federal police officer

Industries

• Defence/military
• Foreign affairs
• Intelligence
• Law enforcement
• Media and journalism
• National security
• State and federal government

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

Why Study Master of International Security at Curtin

• Learn from experienced practitioners: Our staff are highly qualified academics with practical experience as senior-level practitioners in policymaking and intelligence.
• Strong industry connections: Benefit from our competitive internship programs and connections to international, national and state-based employers.
• Excellent reputation: Curtin’s long-standing international relations and international security program has an excellent reputation for producing job-ready graduates.