The Master of Special Operations and Irregular Warfare is aimed at military personnel and those in the security policy community, including security contractors, who would benefit from a better understanding of special operations as a military instrument. Postgraduate scholars seeking to develop a research competence in this field will also find this degree a valuable foundation.It offers students a combination of core courses on special operations alongside electives addressing broader issues in strategy and security. This dual approach provides both a focused view of special operations and an understanding of their context.

Completion of a Bachelor's degree with Honours with a major in a cognate discipline; or Completion of a Graduate Diploma in a cognate discipline; or Completion of a 3 or 4-year Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline, which includes a major in the cognate discipline; and have completed at least 3-years full-time professional experience in a cognate discipline; or Completion of a Bachelor degree in a NON-cognate discipline and have completed at least 4-years full-time professional experience in a cognate discipline; or Evidence of other academic qualifications and/or professional experience submitted to the Program Authority may be considered based on assessment of evidence of achievement of equivalent learning and in accordance with UNSW Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure.

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.