Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare

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.��

Degree type

Postgraduate coursework

Duration

1 year full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1, Semester 2

Program code

8632

Delivery mode

Online

Overview

The Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare at ��Ʒ 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.��
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What our students say

“My primary incentive for studying through ��Ʒ Canberra was the potential for greater��Defence��assistance. Once I finished my first postgraduate degree, I returned to ��Ʒ Canberra due to the unique courses it offers and the excellent structure of its programs.”��

��James Easton, Master of Special Operations & Irregular Warfare��student

Find out more

For more information on this degree, see the��.

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.
For information regarding entry requirements, please refer to the��.��