Study Defence and National Security

_{Anika Talukder, Master of Engineering (Biomedical) Graduate}

Why study Defence and National Security at Flinders?

Help engineer the security of Australia.

Australia's defence industry covers an incredible range of career paths and skilled workers are in high demand. With accredited Bachelor degrees across Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Information Technology and Mathematics, Flinders University works closely with industry and government to ensure our graduates are equipped with the expertise to supply and support the Australian defence sector.

When you study at Flinders, you'll study industry-endorsed degrees, guided by our expert teachers and researchers who are well-connected to industry. You'll learn in our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Tonsley innovation precinct — a hub where Flinders' students can study alongside likeminded peers, connect and learn from industry heavyweights, and can access high-tech laboratories and equipment, including our systems security labs. Plus, you'll get job-ready with 20-week placements that give you hands-on training with major defence companies.

Defend the future at Flinders University. Explore your study options at Bedford Park, Tonsley, and online.

Courses available in Defence and National Security

New course Available online City Campus

Undergraduate

Majors

Nuclear Engineering

Honours

Postgraduate

Higher degree by research

Give your career a Nuclear edge

Prepare for future industries. Add a Nuclear Engineering major to your Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), Bachelor of Science (Physics) or Bachelor of Science (Chemical Sciences) degree.

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Flinders is proud to have been acknowledged as the Best Future Skills Provider for 2024 in the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards.

The awards showcase the depth of talent in the defence and national security sectors, as well those workforce initiatives that are transforming the way security professionals operate as Australia prepares to embark on a period of rapid technological transformation.

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Defence & National Security Workforce Awards Winner - Best Future Skills Provider 2024

No.1 in SA
in Engineering & Technology for full-time employment, learning resources, overall educational experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

No.1 in SA
in Science & Mathematics for learner engagement, learning resources, skills development and student support.

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

No.1 in SA
in Computing & Information Systems for learner engagement, overall education experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality.

(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

Careers in the Defence Industry

Hear from some inspiring South Australian defence industry employees and learn more about a what a career in the defence industry is like.

Rebecca | Combat and Automation Systems Engineer

Rebecca discussed working in the defence industry as a Combat and Automation Systems Engineer.

Matt | Mechanical Engineer

Matt tells us about working as a Mechanical Engineer in South Australia's defence industry.

Kyal | Digital Specialist

Kyal describes his experience as a digital specialist in South Australia's defence industry.

Kim | Systems Engineer

Kim tells us how she found her place as a Systems Engineer in South Australia's defence industry.

Andrew | Operations Manager

Andrew shares his pathway to becoming an Operations Manager in defence industry.

Zac | Transitioning from the ADF to the defence industry

Veteran Zac saw a role in the defence industry as an opportunity to build his skills while giving back to the defence personnel that serve our nation.

Why study defence and national security?

We work with industry to develop required training and have partnered with BAE Systems Australia to deliver the Diploma of Digital Technologies, used to build Australia’s nine Hunter Class frigates and contribute to other defence areas such as JSF and JORN.
We also partner with the Defence Teaming Centre to enable to supply chain of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to upskill their staff through the Diploma of Digital Technologies to boost competitiveness and performance of the defence supply chain.
To grow the pipeline of engineers in defence and other key industries, we also offer the Diploma of Digital Technologies to STEM teachers in schools to build capability in robotics, electronics, design and 3D printing.
We offer the only Computer Science Artificial Intelligence degree in Adelaide.
Flinders has purpose-built teaching and laboratory facilities, personalised teaching, and great staff student working relationships.
We work alongside some of the world’s foremost defence and technology companies to ensure that our research is real-world tested, ready for commercial application.
Our 20-week* Work Integrated Learning will improve your employability by giving you valuable practical experience in a workplace setting, directly related to the degree you’re studying.
We offer professionally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a huge amount of teaching support.
Students have the opportunity to apply for international internships and work with major defence companies such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing Defence, Naval Group, Thales, Defence Science and Technology Group and ASC.
Flinders was the winner in the Defence Connect Australian Industry awards for Training and Mentorship Program of the Year for 2020 for the Diploma of Digital Technologies. It was also a finalist in several categories including the Academic Institution of the year 2019 and 2020 and Veteran Support Program of the year 2020.
A South Australian first, Flinders has the Military Academic Pathways Program to assist military personnel transition successfully into university.
Your prior studies or experience in the Australian Defence Force may be recognised as credit toward your new program of study which could reduce the length of time required to complete your qualification.
Any VET national security qualification that’s level 4 or higher can be used for entry into a Flinders course.

*Total weeks will depend on enrolled course.

On-demand and online all year round

Find out everything you need to know about courses, support, life at Flinders and more.

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Study Flinders maritime engineering

Specialise in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or marine and offshore systems by studying martime engineering at Flinders University.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Maritime) (Honours) has been developed to serve the needs of the maritime engineering design, construction and related industries.

The course is recognised internationally by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, preparing you to become a professional engineer in the maritime engineering industry.

Access state-of-the-art experimental facilities at Flinders University and the Australian Maritime College in Launceston and prepare for career opportunities available in Australia, Europe, USA, UK and Asia.

Bachelor of Engineering (Maritime) (Honours)

“Autonomous boats are better placed to carry out long, precise and often tedious marine searches and surveys than boats driven by humans,” Professor Karl Sammut.

Military academic pathways

Use your prior service in the Australian Defence Force as a pathway to a Flinders University degree. If you hold qualifications from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) you can apply for a wide range of undergraduate or postgraduate courses. View the range of admission pathways available to applicants holding recognised qualifications, or those applying based on work and life experience.

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Defence Research

Forging powerful partnerships

Flinders research defending tomorrow. From autonomous marine vehicles to advanced additive manufacturing and cybersecurity, the technologies of tomorrow are emerging from the world class research we do today.

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Diploma in Digital Technologies

An example of how Flinders collaborates with industry by developing required training, to upskill their employees, the newly created Diploma of Digital Technology will educate shipbuilders-come-students on digital technologies required as part of the $35 billion Hunter Class Frigate Program, and will help retain important shipbuilding capability between shipbuilding programs.

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Flinders at Tonsley innovation hub

Flinders University’s maritime and defence research centres are based at the Bedford Park and Tonsley campuses, in the heart of South Australia’s technology and manufacturing industries.

The new Flinders at Tonsley innovation hub co-locates Flinders students and researchers in areas such as engineering, medical devices and nanoscale technologies, alongside some of Adelaide’s biggest businesses, to create the new products and processes of the 21st century.

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Photo of Marielle Intveld, Flinders Law graduate

“

I was doing electronics and software and mechanical stuff at home and that led me straight into robotics at university. The field is expanding, especially with the new defence initiatives. I knew it would be a good career path and it was a career I wanted to pursue.

Jesse Stewart, B Eng (Robotics) (Hons) / Master of Engineering (Electronics)

”

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If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.