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Why study this program

The learning experience

Career opportunities

Academics

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Program Duration

1.5 Years

Program Credit

72 Units

online or inperson

In person or online

Why study this program

The Master of Strategic and Defence Studies offers a deep exploration of how power, policy, and military strategy shape global security. Available both in person and online, the program allows you to study from anywhere while engaging with leading experts based in Canberra — Australia’s policy capital, where research, government, and defence practice converge.

Offered through the renowned Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), this advanced degree is designed for those who want to build high-level analytical and research expertise in strategy and defence — whether to progress in their professional careers or prepare for doctoral study. You’ll also complete an individual research project, developed under the guidance of your academic supervisor.

Within a rigorous academic framework, you’ll examine the evolution of strategic thought, the conduct of war, and the complex relationship between military operations and policy. Taught by leading scholars and former senior defence officials, the program bridges theoretical insight with the realities of strategic decision-making in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

The learning experience

Students talking and laughing

The Master of Strategic and Defence Studies takes a research-led approach to understanding the dynamics of strategy and defence in the modern world. You’ll move beyond case studies and policy briefs to critically engage with the ideas, institutions, and historical forces that underpin military strategy and statecraft.

The program’s 72-unit structure allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and professional goals. You can complete a master’s thesis under the supervision of an SDSC academic — developing original research that contributes to the field — or pursue a specialisation in areas such as international relations, Asian and Pacific security, diplomacy, or policy analysis.

In addition to core courses on strategic theory, deterrence, military operations, and regional security, you’ll have access to a broad range of electives that connect strategic studies with related disciplines, from law and management to technology and leadership.

The capstone experience of this degree is the completion of an independent research project on an original topic that you will design yourself guided by your academic supervisor. Your research will result in 15,000 thesis and your academic supervisor will also provide advice on publication options. The project will further hone your research, analysis and writing skills ready to take the next step in your career.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Strategic and Defence Studies emerge with the intellectual depth and research capability to influence defence and security thinking — equipped for roles across government, international organisations, and research institutions, or to progress to PhD-level study.

Many students progress to influential roles in:

  • National security and defence policy, including the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force, and intelligence agencies.

  • Foreign affairs and diplomacy, working on strategy, regional security, and international cooperation.

  • Think tanks and research institutes, such as the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and the Lowy Institute, contributing to evidence-based policy debates.

  • International organisations and non-governmental organisations, focusing on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security development.

  • Private sector and consulting, advising government and industry on strategic risk, resilience, and defence capability.

  • Doctoral research (PhD), leading to academic and policy research careers.

World-class academics are your teachers

This program brings together academics and practitioners who are internationally recognised for their expertise in strategy, military operations, and defence policy. Many bring direct experience from government, the armed forces, and international organisations, offering students a unique blend of scholarly insight and real-world perspective.

 

Professor Stephan Fruhling.jfif

Professor Stephan Frühling

Stephan is a specialist in defence studies, NATO, nuclear weapons, alliances, European security, and Australian government and politics.
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Professor Evelyn Goh

Evelyn Goh has published widely on U.S.-China relations and diplomatic history, regional security order in East Asia, Southeast Asian strategies towards great powers, and environmental security. 
Jochen Prantl

Professor Jochen Prantl

Jochen is an expert on international security, polycentric governance, complex systems thinking, and strategy and statecraft.
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Associate Professor Garth Pratten

Garth’s research focuses on WWII ground operations (especially Australia), British and Commonwealth counter-insurgency, reserve forces, 1990s peace support operations, and unit-level command, identity and cohesion in military forces.
Prof Brendan Taylor

Professor Brendan Taylor

Brendan is a specialist on great power strategic relations in the Asia-Pacific, East Asian ‘flashpoints’, and Asian security architecture.

Further information

If you have further questions about this program, please contact us.

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