Macquarie University
Master of Counter Terrorism and Master of Public and Social Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop advanced skills in critical analysis to help you design and deliver effective policy solutions that serve the public interest, as well as the confidence to make socially informed judgements in a range of specialist policy areas.
Course overview
The practice-oriented Master of Counter Terrorism will prepare you to analyse real-world counterterrorism challenges. You’ll learn about the theory and practice of counterterrorism studies; the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges related to terrorism and their implications for counterterrorism approaches and policies; and the evolution of Australia’s counterterrorism strategies and policies.
Key facts
What you will study
To graduate with a Master of Counter Terrorism and Master of Public and Social Policy, a student must acquire 160 credit points. Each unit is valued at 10 credit points.
Essential Units
Complete each unit below.
- Critical Thought and Research Design
- Counter Terrorism in the Global and Australian Contexts
- Emerging Topics in Security Studies
- Advanced Terrorism Studies
- Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism
- International Terrorism
Elective Units
Complete 10 credit points from the following options.
- Crisis Simulation
- Supervised Project in Security Studies
- Internship
Elective Units
Complete 10 credit points from the following options.
- Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy
- Intelligence: Theory and Practice
- Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
- Advanced Criminology Theory
Entry Requirements
Full Time: 2 years
Master of Counter Terrorism
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Master of Public and Social Policy
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Recognition of Prior Learning
With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
- Academic
- Counterterrorism Expert
- Detective
- Electorate Officer
- Human Services Consultant
- Intelligence Analyst
- Market or Social Researcher
- Media and Communications Adviser
- Police Officer
- Policy Adviser
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $33,300 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.