The Master of Defence Studies is designed for postgraduate scholars and defence professionals with appropriate undergraduate qualifications in a relevant social science or humanities discipline and/or extensive relevant professional experience who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic environment, the key factors shaping defence and security policy and decision making, and the conduct of military operations.

It provides comprehensive insights and analytical skills relevant to both higher level policy development and advanced postgraduate study.

Students undertaking the Master of Defence Studies have the flexibility to tailor their degree to meet their individual needs and interests. They are required to take two keystone courses (24UOC) and additional elective courses from the list below, for a total of 48UOC. Each elective course is worth 6UOC. While the courses are broadly grouped to reflect different aspects of the discipline, students may elect either to specialise in a particular area or to complete a more broadly based qualification.


Keystone Courses

Additional special study and elective courses may be offered on an opportunity basis. Students may, with the approval of the Program Authority, take up to two courses (12UOC) from related coursework programs. Students may apply for recognition of approved professional education short courses by enrolling in ZHSS8001 Professional Practice.


Research Project

The option of undertaking a research project - ZHSS8212/8215 Research Project - History or ZHSS8400/8401 Research Project - Politics (12UOC) - is available to Masters students who attain a high credit average or better in courses worth 24UOC and is subject to the approval of the Head of School. The research project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a particular area or intending to undertake a higher level research qualification. This project may be undertaken in a single session or as a full-year course. Students undertaking the Research Project may take a maximum of one course (6UOC) from a related coursework program.

1 Entry Requirements
1.1 To gain entry into a Masters by coursework program an applicant must:
1.1.1 Have met the requirements of a four year Bachelor degree or a Bachelor degree with Honours with a major in a same or related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution
or
1.1.2 Have met the requirements of a Graduate Diploma from UNSW in a same or related discipline or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution
or
1.1.3 Have met the requirements of a three year Bachelor degree at pass level, which includes a major in a same or related discipline, from a recognised tertiary institution, and have completed at least three years relevant full-time work experience
or
1.1.4 Submit evidence of academic and/or professional qualifications and/or related work experience which is determined by the relevant Program Authority to be acceptable grounds for admission into the degree.

2 Enrolment and Progression
2.1 An application to enrol as a candidate for the degree shall be made on the prescribed form and lodged with Student Administrative Services by the advertised date.
2.2 A candidate for the degree must undertake courses and pass assessment as prescribed by UNSW.
2.3 The program of study shall total a minimum of 48 units of credit.
2.4 The Academic Standing of a candidate shall be reviewed at the end of each session. Movement between levels of academic standing is based on progress, measured by cumulative number of failures.

3 Fees
3.1 A candidate shall pay fees as determined by the UNSW Council.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html