Primary Landing Page
Thought leaders icon - GOLD

Practical

Courses designed with assessments that focus on real-world deliverables.

Teaching icon - gold

Immersive

Experiential learning activities include scenarios, simulations, syndicate work, debate and discussion.

In person and online teaching - gold

Flexible

Both in-person and remote learning options are available.

With the support of the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, and in partnership with the Australian Government, we will empower you to forge a career that makes a difference. 

Master of National Security Policy

This program provides an in-depth and policy-oriented qualification in national security, in line with the vision of the National Security College as a joint initiative between The Australian National University and the Australian Government. 

  • online and in-person delivery available
  • 1.5 years
  • scholarships available

Graduate Certificate of National Security Policy

This program provides an introduction to national security concepts and practical policy skills, with a focus on navigating the Australian security landscape.

  • online and in-person delivery available
  • 6 months
  • scholarships available

Higher Degree Research (HDR)

This program develops leading experts in security policy with strong research skills.

  • scholarships available

Academic staff

You will be taught and nurtured by some of Australia's leading researchers, academics and educators.

Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper
Associate Professor and Academic Director

Danielle Ireland-Piper is the Academic Director and Associate Professor at the National Security College, Australian National University.

Rory Medcalf
Head of College

Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA has been Head of the National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University since 2015.

Sue Thompson Headshot
Associate Professor

Dr Sue Thompson has extensive experience in academia, government, the media and the non-government sector.

James Mortensen
Lecturer and HDR Program Coordinator

Dr James Mortensen is a Lecturer and the HDR Program Coordinator at the ANU National Security College.

Michael Cohen Headshot
Senior Lecturer

Dr Michael Cohen has expertise in International Security with an empirical focus on the Indo-Pacific.

Dirk Van Der Kley Headshot
Research Fellow

Dirk van der Kley specialises on technology competition and innovation between the US and China, with a particular interest in biological technologies.

Dominique Dalla-Pozza Headshot
Senior Lecturer

Dr Dominique Dalla-Pozza is a Senior Lecturer with the ANU National Security College and ANU College of Law.

Kevin Robb at an event4
Research Associate and PhD candidate

Kevin is a Research Associate and PhD candidate at the National Security College (NSC).

David Schaefer Headshot
Lecturer

Dr David Schaefer is a Lecturer at the ANU National Security College.

ANU awards scholarships to students who may not have the opportunity to study at the ANU National Security College.

The ANU National Security Policy Scholarship

Value: up to $52,000 per annum. Recipients will receive a 50% tuition scholarship.

National Security College Student Excellence Scholarship

Value: this is a cash payment scholarship worth a maximum of $36,000 over 72 units of study ($24,000 per annum).

National Security College Indigenous Excellence Scholarship

Value: this is a cash payment scholarship worth a maximum of $36,000 over 72 units of study ($24,000 per annum).

Louisa Bochner

“The ANU National Security College opened my eyes to new opportunities. If you’re interested in making policy on climate change, technology, energy, cyber security, or foreign interference, all on the backdrop of a rapidly changing international playing field, then this is the degree for you.”

Louisa Bochner
Masters of National Security Policy

KadenFountain

“Choosing to undertake the Masters in National Security Policy was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve made. Lectures from leading politicians, policymakers, business leaders, and media personalities were something I can’t imagine I would have found in other degrees.”

Kaden Fountain
Master of National Security Policy

Samantha Mullins. Image Crawford School of Public Policy
Samantha Mullins. Image Crawford School of Public Policy

“My journey from a rural Australian town to the global financial hub of London has been nothing short of a whirlwind adventure. It’s a fusion of my humble beginnings and the global perspective I’ve gained along the way, and this has motivated me to dive deeper and contribute to the complex world of national security policy.”

Samantha Mullins
Masters of National Security Policy