Master of Strategic and Defence Studies 18 months Postgraduate Programme By Australian National University (ANU) |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 11QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

18 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

56,120 AUDTuition Fee/year

Main Subject Area

PoliticsMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Develop advanced strategic expertise through rigorous academic study in Australia's policy capital, where scholarly excellence and government practice intersect to produce leading strategic and defence analysts. This comprehensive program deepens theoretical knowledge while building practical application skills, preparing graduates for specialized roles in defence policy, diplomatic strategy, intelligence analysis, strategic planning and corporate defence and security consulting. This 72-unit award offers students the opportunity to complement their in-depth learning in strategy and defence with options to study in associated fields and disciplines, or undertake a substantial independent research project.


This program is available for applications to commence from first semester, 2026


Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and cognitive skills in strategic and defence studies
  2. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the conduct of strategy, military operations and its relationship to policy
  3. Undertake strategic and policy analysis and be able to critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information relating to the conduct of strategy and military operations
  4. Apply the technical skills needed to access the academic literature in the fields of study associated with strategic and defence studies
  5. Apply strategic concepts and knowledge, in both written and oral form, to practical, contemporary defence and strategic problems using formal case studies from Australia, Asia and global environments
  6. Conduct scholarly research, express ideas and construct evidence-based arguments in both written and oral form
  7. Analyse new areas of concern in strategic and defence studies and communicate findings in academic and policy-relevant terms

Programme overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Develop advanced strategic expertise through rigorous academic study in Australia's policy capital, where scholarly excellence and government practice intersect to produce leading strategic and defence analysts. This comprehensive program deepens theoretical knowledge while building practical application skills, preparing graduates for specialized roles in defence policy, diplomatic strategy, intelligence analysis, strategic planning and corporate defence and security consulting. This 72-unit award offers students the opportunity to complement their in-depth learning in strategy and defence with options to study in associated fields and disciplines, or undertake a substantial independent research project.


This program is available for applications to commence from first semester, 2026


Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and cognitive skills in strategic and defence studies
  2. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the conduct of strategy, military operations and its relationship to policy
  3. Undertake strategic and policy analysis and be able to critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information relating to the conduct of strategy and military operations
  4. Apply the technical skills needed to access the academic literature in the fields of study associated with strategic and defence studies
  5. Apply strategic concepts and knowledge, in both written and oral form, to practical, contemporary defence and strategic problems using formal case studies from Australia, Asia and global environments
  6. Conduct scholarly research, express ideas and construct evidence-based arguments in both written and oral form
  7. Analyse new areas of concern in strategic and defence studies and communicate findings in academic and policy-relevant terms

Admission Requirements

176+
6.5+
64+
80+
5+
4+
Applicants must present one of the following:
  • a cognate Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5/7
  • a cognate Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and a Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7
  • a cognate Bachelor or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program
  • a cognate Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program
  • a cognate Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7
  • a minimum of 10 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program


At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is competitive. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

1.5 Years

Tuition fees

International
56,120 AUD

Scholarships

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