Master of Security and Defence Management (Canberra)

Educating leaders in defence, government & industry

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Gain a solid and detailed understanding of the elements shaping the future of the contemporary strategic and security environment. Learn how to create solutions for complex policy challenges and propel your career as one of today’s innovative change-makers in the Australian Defence Force.

Commencing Terms: Semester 1 & 2
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Online
Campus: Canberra
Codes: Program code 8573; CRICOS code -

2026 Indicative first year full fee: $38,500*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $38,500*
2026 Indicative first year full fee: $50,500*
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $51,500*

Honours student Officer Cadet Todd Baldwin examines hand gestures as a tool in his experiments concerning impact of presentation and control modalities upon performance and perception within a virtual environment.

School of Engineering and Information Technology (SIET) Virtual Environments & Simulation Lab (VESL).

Optional research project
Fully online
Complete in one year full-time

Enquire

Overview

The Master of Security and Defence Management at 91ɫ��Ƭ Canberra equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving fields. You’ll explore the complex factors shaping global security environments, gaining a deep understanding of how to manage and respond to modern defence challenges. With this degree, you’ll position yourself as a forward-thinking leader, ready to drive progress in the defence, security and strategic sectors.

Through this program, you'll learn how to navigate the complexities of international security and develop innovative strategies to solve real-world policy problems. Whether you’re already in the Defence industry or looking to transition into this critical field, this postgraduate degree gives you the knowledge and tools to make an impact. You'll be prepared to step into high-level roles in Defence, government, international organisations, or the private sector.

With this degree, you’ll be in high demand to shape defence strategies and manage security risks, positioning yourself as a leader in global security.

Key features

Strategic and operational skills
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and operational dimensions of Defence. This dual focus gives you the expertise to tackle complex global security challenges and lead in diverse roles.

Real-world policy focus
Develop practical solutions to complex policy challenges, preparing you to influence national and international security strategies. Your expertise will empower you to make critical decisions and lead change in government, Defence and beyond.

Fast-track your career
Complete the program in just one year of full-time study and accelerate your career progression. In less than 12 months, you’ll gain the skills, qualifications and network to secure senior roles in Defence, government, or international organisations, ready to make a real impact on global security challenges.

Why study at 91ɫ��Ƭ Canberra?

Learn from leading defence experts
Learn from academics and professionals with deep expertise in defence, security and policy-making. Their real-world insights and industry connections will equip you with the practical knowledge needed to influence policy and strategy at the highest levels.

Fit your studies around your life
91ɫ��Ƭ Canberra’s fully online delivery mode allows you to balance your studies with your career, giving you the freedom to pursue advanced education without sacrificing your current commitments.

Connection to defence networks
91ɫ��Ƭ Canberra’s strong ties to the Australian Defence Force and international defence organisations give you access to a powerful network of professionals. You’ll build valuable connections that can lead to unique career opportunities and collaborations, positioning you to succeed in defence leadership roles.

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Program Code

8573

Campus

Canberra

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the��for the Entry Requirements.��

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91ɫ��Ƭ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91ɫ��Ƭ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.��

Please refer to the��for the Entry Requirements.��

English language requirements

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English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.��

What will I study?

91ɫ��Ƭ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.

We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?��

Learn more

Program structure

The Master of Strategy and Security at 91ɫ��Ƭ Canberra is a one-year full-time (part-time equivalent) program. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC).

You’ll complete three courses each in security and management, covering topics such as international security policy, risk management, defence leadership and strategic decision-making. You’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of the global and local security challenges shaping today’s world. With the option to undertake a research project, you can also dive deeper into a specialised area of interest to drive progress in your field.

Full program structure

This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students must complete:

��Strategic Management
Organisational Behaviour
Strategic Human Resources
Accounting for Management Decisions
Business Law
Leadership
Business Ethics
Logistics Management
Strategic Procurement and Outsourcing
Strategic Communication
Modern Naval History and Strategy
Global Security
Asia-Pacific Security: The Dynamics of Change
Australian Defense Policy: Concepts and Challenges
China's Security Policy and Military Modernisation
Contemporary Strategy
Global Justice and World Politics
Cyber-Security and World Politics
Conflict Transformation
Culture and Conflict
Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility
Power and Australian Government Policy
International Law in Global Politics
Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare
Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition
Students may, with the approval of the Postgraduate Coordinator, complete up to two courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs of equivalent academic standard. These may include:

Any course offered by the UC School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Any course offered by the UC School of Business
Students who achieve at least a Distinction average in four courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis. The research thesis is composed of Research Thesis A and Research Thesis B, each worth 6 UOC. You must enroll in both units to fulfill the requirements. These units can be completed either concurrently in a single semester or consecutively over two semesters. Approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator is required for enrolment.

Future careers

Graduates of the Master of Security and Defense Management are entering a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. With increasing global security threats, ranging from cyber warfare to geopolitical tensions, the demand for skilled defense and security professionals is higher than ever. Job growth in defense and national security roles is projected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by heightened investment in defense and security initiatives.

As a graduate, you'll be well-positioned to lead in roles across defense forces, intelligence agencies, government bodies and international organisations, shaping policies and strategies that address complex global challenges and drive real-world progress.

Potential roles

● Border Protection Officer

● Counterterrorism Analyst

● Defense Consultant

● Defense Intelligence Analyst

● Emergency Management Director

● Intelligence Officer

● Military Operations Planner

● Policy Advisor (Defence and Security)

● Risk and Security Manager

● Security Analyst

● Security Consultant

● Strategic Risk Analyst

● Strategic Planner

● Threat Assessment Specialist

● Weapons Systems Analyst

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our��portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.��Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our�� service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date.��For details, visit the��international admissions information page.

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Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$38,500*

2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$38,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the��degree/program.��The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when��required��and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the��.

2026 Indicative First Year Fee

$50,500*

2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$51,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when��required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average��using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��91ɫ��Ƭ fees website.

Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program��include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs��for international students, visit��.��

Scholarships

At 91ɫ��Ƭ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.