Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare
Addressing broader issues in strategy and security.
For domestic and international students.
Addressing broader issues in strategy and security.
For domestic and international students.
Contemporary armed conflicts have demonstrated a contest between state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence with a target population. Within these types of irregular warfare, the employment of special operations forces has been seen on an unprecedented scale, yet special operations remains an understudied and often misunderstood instrument of military policy.
Postgraduate coursework
1 year full-time
Semester 1, Semester 2
8632
Online
The Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare at UNSW Canberra uniquely addresses this gap by offering students a combination of special operations-focused content alongside a selection of electives addressing broader issues in strategy and security. This program is ideal for military personnel and those in the security policy community who wish to broaden their understanding of special operations beyond the tactical and operational skills and capabilities involved. It also provides an excellent framework of reference for other government employees and contractors who would benefit from a better understanding of special operations as a military instrument.
“My primary incentive for studying through UNSW Canberra was the potential for greater Defence assistance. Once I finished my first postgraduate degree, I returned to UNSW Canberra due to the unique courses it offers and the excellent structure of its programs.”
James Easton, Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare student
For more information on this degree, see the UNSW Handbook.
Students undertaking Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare are required to complete 8 courses (48 UOC) comprising 24 UOC of core courses, with the remaining courses selected in any combination from the elective courses.
The core courses will normally be offered annually or at least every two years. The elective courses will be offered on an opportunity basis.
Students who obtain at least a Distinction average in the four core courses may take a 12 UOC research thesis, ZHSS8401 Research Thesis A (6 UOC) and ZHSS8402 Research Thesis B (6 UOC). You must enrol in both units to fulfil the requirements. You may enrol in the two units concurrently to do the thesis in a single semester, or consecutively to complete it over two semesters. Enrolment is subject to approval by the Postgraduate Coordinator.
Students must complete the following 4 core courses (24 UOC):
Code | Course | Semester 1 - 2023 | Semester 2 - 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
ZHSS8231 | The History of Special Operations | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
ZHSS8459 | Special Operations: Theory and Strategic Utility | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8461 | GRIM Threats and Irregular Warfare | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8462 | Ethics in Special, Complex and Irregular Military Operations | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Students must complete a minimum of 4 elective courses (24 UOC) from the following list:
Code | Course | Semester 1 - 2023 | Semester 2 - 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
ZBUS8201 | Leadership | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8210 | Genocide: Perception and Intervention | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8221 | The Development of the Art of War: A Survey | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8225 | Australian Military History: An Introduction | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
ZHSS8226 | The Vietnam Wars: A Thirty Year Conflict | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8227 | Civil Wars: Societies in Conflict | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8403 | Global Security | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8409 | Asia-Pacific Security: The Dynamics of Change | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8410 | Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
ZHSS8417 | Air Power in the 21st Century: Strategic Issues | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8430 | China's Security Policy and Military Modernisation | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8435 | Contemporary Strategy | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
ZHSS8441 | Cyber-Security and World Politics | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8442 | Conflict Transformation | Distance Mode | Not Offered |
ZHSS8452 | Weapons of Mass Destruction and Global Security | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8453 | Culture and Conflict | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8456 | Australia and Cyber War | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
ZHSS8467 | Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8503 | Moral Leadership in Complex Military Operations | Not Offered | Not Offered |
ZHSS8504 | Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition | Not Offered | Distance Mode |
For information regarding entry requirements, please refer to the UNSW Handbook.
Program Coordinator
Dr Debbie Lackerstein
E: d.lackerstein@adfa.edu.au
Student enquiries
E: sas@adfa.edu.au
T: (02) 5114 5000