Key facts
UNE unit code: SLEM505
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 12
Unit information
In this unit, you will examine the major security threats and challenges nations face in today’s rapidly changing world. You’ll explore how global events and markets impact national security and learn the key risk mitigation strategies states use to protect their interests.
You’ll investigate the role of the military, intelligence agencies and other security organisations in safeguarding the state and its citizens. You will also analyse current and emerging security threats such as terrorism (including eco-terrorism), globalisation and the shifting geopolitical landscape of national and transnational security.
Throughout the unit, you’ll reflect on the ethical and moral issues in national security, such as the use of force, detainee treatment and climate refugees. You will complete this unit with a strong foundation for further studies in national security and broader social sciences.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply an expert level of critical analysis to global security challenges, identify key threats, actors, and geopolitical dynamics;
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of strategic approaches to national security, including the formulation and assessment of security policies and strategies;
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding and specialised application of ethical frameworks to decision-making processes in national security, considering the implications of security measures on human rights and civil liberties, to an expert standard;
- develop expert level skills to contribute to the formulation of national security policies, taking into account both domestic and international considerations; and
- support lifelong learning initiatives, and continuous improvement strategies and incentives through individual or organisational development.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Two multiple choice quizzes, each fifteen-minutes (approx.).
|
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Major Research Project with iterative supervision. Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 6000 words |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Twenty-minute (approx.) oral defence of major research project. Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1000 - 1500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Asia-Pacific Security: An Introduction
ISBN: 9781626163454
Wallis & Carr (Eds.), GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY PRESS 1st 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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