Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Security and Counter Terrorism
Work towards a career in intelligence and protection. Explore global contemporary security threats including cybercrime, violent extremism, and radicalisation.
About the Course
You will learn about the changing nature of security in a post-9/11 world. Topics covered include cybersecurity and the role of technology in contemporary warfare, as well as the major institutions and players in international politics, and strategies for countering violent extremism and radicalisation.
You’ll graduate with an understanding of the complex issues that inform and influence security, terrorism, and human rights, with the skills to contribute to the strategic and operational protection of national security.
This course is not available to international students.
Course Entry Requirements
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
- Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score.
- Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Course Structure
Recommended study pattern
Core Social Science units
Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)
Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)
Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)
Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)
Australian Politics (POL10001)
Security and Counter Terrorism Major units
Countering Violent Extremism (POL30016)
International Politics (POL10002)
Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)
International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)
Conflict Resolution (POL20011)
Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)
Cyber Crime and Security (POL30018)
Recommended electives
Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)
Brain and Behaviour (PSY10007)
Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY70012)
Deviance, Difference & Conformity (SOC20020)
Award requirements
To qualify for a Bachelor of Social Science (Security and Counter Terrorism), a student must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- Four [4] core units of study in Security and Counter Terrorism (50 credit points)
- Eight [8] units of study in the Security and Counter Terrorism major (100 credit points)
- Twelve [12] units of study (150 credit points) comprising of electives
*A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from non-Social Science/Arts studies.
- Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in security and counter terrorism.
- Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise.
- Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of security and counter terrorism.
- Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
- Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
- Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
- Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
