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International Security

Course resolutions

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes). 

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

Code Course title
MAINTSEC-03 Master of International Security
GNINTSEC-03 Graduate Diploma in International Security
GCINTSEC-02 Graduate Certificate in International Security

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3 Masters type

The masters degree in these resolutions is a professional masters course, as defined by the Coursework Policy.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1) The embedded courses in this sequence are:

(a) the Graduate Certificate of International Security

(b) the Graduate Diploma in International Security

(c) the Master in International Security

(2) Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1) Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.

(2) Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in International Security requires a bachelors degree from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification.

(3) Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in International Security requires:

(a) a bachelors degree from the University of Sydney with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree with a major in the social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate in International Security with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

(4) Admission to candidature for to the Master of International Security requires:

(a) a bachelors degree with a credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Security with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.

6 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in postgraduate table of units of study for the International Security subject area.

(2) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in International Security a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:

(a) 24 credit points of core units of study; and

(3) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in International Security a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:

(a) a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study; and

(b) a minimum of 12 credit points of selective units of study; and

(c) a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study.

(4) To qualify for the award of the Master of International Security a candidate must complete 96 credit points, including:

(a) a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study; and

(b) a minimum of 18 credit points from selective units of study; and

(c) a maximum of 48 credit points from elective units of study, which can include an optional specialisation as listed in the unit of study table. With the permission of the relevant delegate a maximum of 12 credit points can be taken as elective units from units of study outside those listed in the International Security subject area of the Postgraduate Unit of Study Table, including units of study offered by other faculties; and

(d) a minimum of 6 credit points from capstone units of study.

7 Recognition of prior learning

(1) Waivers and credit may be granted or the volume of learning may be reduced in recognition of prior learning.

(2) Credit may be granted for up to 50% of course requirements for relevant incomplete postgraduate qualifications.

(3) Candidates offered direct admission to the Master of International Security may be eligible for a reduction in the volume of learning of up to 48 credit points, subject to the following:

(a) The maximum permissible reduction in the volume of learning is 24 credit points for bachelors degree at level 7 of the Australian Qualifications Framework in the Social Sciences, Humanities or Law or as defined by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

(b) The maximum permissible reduction in the volume of learning is 48 credit points for a qualification at level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework in a discipline in the Social Sciences, Humanities or Law.

(c) The maximum permissible reduction in the volume of learning is 24 credit points for relevant professional work experience deemed by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to have conferred a volume of learning equivalent to that of a Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline.

(4) The maximum combined credit and reduction in the volume of learning for prior study granted to a candidate will not exceed 50% of the requirements of the course.

8 Course transfer

A candidate for the masters degree or graduate diploma may elect to discontinue study and graduate with a shorter award from this embedded sequence, with the approval of the Faculty, and provided the requirements of the shorter award have been met.

9 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2024.

(2) Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2020 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.