Why Master of International and Security Law?
Enhance your global perspective. Prevent threats to peace.
International security law is evolving quickly to keep up with new global challenges. These laws regulate the dynamics of global peace, conflict, and diplomacy. They cover everything from cybersecurity threats to humanitarian crises and territorial disputes.
Experts in this field work to understand, protect and enforce the rules that keep our world connected, helping to keep the peace around the globe.
Discover the intricacies of the modern legal landscape and become a pioneer for global reform and cooperation.
Overview
The state of international security law globally is characterised by emerging threats and changing geopolitical dynamics. Learn the rules and strategies that keep nations safe, promoting justice and equality in our Master of International and Security Law.
Engage with global experts and build advanced legal skills. Develop sound knowledge in legal argument, research and writing.
Broaden your view on the world’s security practices. Hone your skills in electives and research components that align with your interests. Develop an advanced understanding of principles of law in relation to international and national security.
Connect with leading overseas universities to broaden your scope of learning. Gain the knowledge needed to pursue policy development, compliance and legal practice. Graduate a specialist across the laws that govern cultures, societies and disciplines. Be ready to secure work in places that protect our seas, govern sanctions and confront terrorism.
Key features
Uncover the intricacies of modern legal systems. - Examine and compare legal frameworks across different cultures, societies, and disciplines.
- Engage with global experts through partnerships with leading overseas universities.
- Become an expert in developing legal argument, research and writing.
- Discover the impact of artificial intelligence on law and security.
- Choose from a range of electives including counter-terrorism, space and maritime law.
What you'll learn
Our Master of International and Security Law will provide you with an advanced understanding of principles of law in relation to international and national security. This degree provides a range of elective courses for those with interests in international and security law. You’ll also develop your skills in legal research and writing.
Your studies will begin with an introduction to Australian and public international law. Explore Australian law and its legal system, its history and issues of supremacy of law.
The research component will come from a variety of streams, suited to your learning preferences. Maybe you’ll choose to complete a PhD research pathway. You’ll work toward completing a dissertation critiquing the operation of law from a policy perspective.
You might like to complete a law research project, focusing on advanced legal research. Build upon the knowledge from previous courses to explore an area of law that interests you at a higher level.
Perhaps you may want to choose the option to complete multiple research essays. Whichever you choose, you’ll be guided by experts and supervisors in their respective fields.
To complete your degree, you’ll choose from an extensive list of law-based electives. Discover topics like international criminal law, humanitarian law, law of naval warfare and nuclear regulatory law.
Tailor your degree to areas of interest and align your research component and electives with future career aspirations.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 to 12 units for Discipline courses, and
- 72 to 78 units for Electives
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Law
|
Course code
LAWS5058
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public International Law (UoA) (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS6007
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Students who already hold an LLB, JD or LLB (Hons) from a common law jurisdiction will not complete LAWS5058 Introduction to Australian Law, and instead should complete an additional 6-unit Elective.
Complete 6 to 12 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units from Discipline courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Dissertation (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5003
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Law Research Project (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5066
|
Units
6
|
Complete 72 to 78 units comprising:
- 72 to 78 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Commercial and Business Law
|
Course code
BUSI5097
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Taxation Law and Policy
|
Course code
BUSI6055
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Employment Law
|
Course code
HRES5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anti-discrimination Law: Practice and Theory PG
|
Course code
LAWS5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Environmental Law (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
AI and Technology: Legal and Security Issues
|
Course code
LAWS5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Criminal Law (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Military Discipline Law
|
Course code
LAWS5019
|
Units
9
|
|
|
Course name
International Commercial and Trade Law
|
Course code
LAWS5020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Military Operations Law
|
Course code
LAWS5021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Counter Terrorism and National Security Law
|
Course code
LAWS5022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transitional Justice (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law of Export Controls and Trade Sanctions
|
Course code
LAWS5027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Rights: International Perspectives (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Humanitarian Law
|
Course code
LAWS5035
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Arbitration
|
Course code
LAWS5040
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Arbitration
|
Course code
LAWS5041
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Commercial Arbitration (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5044
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cyber Security and Cyber Conflict Law
|
Course code
LAWS5048
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law in Defence of Australia
|
Course code
LAWS5051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Arms Control
|
Course code
LAWS5052
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Space Law (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5053
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Maritime Law and Geopolitics in the Asian Region
|
Course code
LAWS5054
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Comparative Law
|
Course code
LAWS5055
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Law
|
Course code
LAWS5059
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law of Naval Warfare
|
Course code
LAWS5061
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Defence Contracting Law
|
Course code
LAWS5062
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Legal Research and Writing (PG)
|
Course code
LAWS5063
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Commercial Space Law
|
Course code
LAWS5064
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Government, Law and Policy
|
Course code
LAWS5065
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Federal Criminal and Defence Discipline Law
|
Course code
LAWS5067
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law of Air Warfare
|
Course code
LAWS5068
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Humanitarian Law and Disruptive Technology
|
Course code
LAWS5069
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Regulatory Law
|
Course code
LAWS5070
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Military Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS5077
|
Units
9
|
|
|
Course name
Business and Corporations Law
|
Course code
LAWS6005
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of this degree can explore a wide range of career opportunities across a variety of sectors. These include law, policy, government, business and various other professional fields.
You might represent Australia in international negotiations, dealing with security issues, and working in embassies or consulates. Perhaps you’ll work for government agencies or private companies to assess security threats, gather intelligence, and provide strategic insights. You could even work within the United Nations or International Criminal Court, addressing security challenges and shaping international legal standards.
You might also like to consider the following roles:
- Judicial associate
- Ministerial adviser
- NGO policy officer
- Parliamentary adviser
- ADR practitioner.
Please note to practise law the academic requirement is a Bachelor of Laws. In addition, there are practical legal training requirements which may be met through completion of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Industry trends
Threats to Australia are diverse and evolving, with our government taking firm steps to protect Australians. These include an increased focus on cybersecurity and counter-terrorism efforts, regulation of emerging technologies including sanctions and trade and investment security. The field is diverse and becoming increasingly dynamic, with legal professionals needing to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing global security environment. Your Adelaide University degree will give you the specialised skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
