Assistant Minister for Defence – Contract supports education of Defence’s future leaders

Defence has signed a new contract with Deakin University that will support the education and professional development of Defence’s next generation of senior leaders.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, said Deakin University was chosen to provide postgraduate academic services for the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS) following a competitive tender process.

CDSS delivers senior professional military education for Australian Defence personnel and selected Australian Government and international personnel. Deakin staff will deliver a range of academic services for CDSS, including offering a suite of Masters level study awards for CDSS’ flagship program, the Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC).

The DSSC is an 11-month postgraduate level professional development program that provides students with the skills, knowledge and attributes to operate at the highest levels of leadership, command, policy formulation and management.

“Modern military leaders require a highly developed ability to operate in complex and dynamic security environments, working with a broad range of government agencies, non-government organisations and international counterparts,” Mr Robert said.

“This contract and the strong partnership between Defence and Deakin University will help personnel develop these important skills.”

Deakin University has been delivering academic services at CDSS since 2001. The Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) is now in its 14th year with more than 400 graduates in the Australian Defence Force and military officers in many countries in the region.

In 2014 Deakin, in collaboration with CDSS, offered a Master of Politics and Policy and its Master of Business Administration for the first time.

“In addition to preparing our officers for senior leadership roles, the DSSC is also an important opportunity to broaden our international Defence relationships. Many of the overseas course members progress to the highest ranks of their militaries and the bonds forged with the Australians at DSSC are mutually beneficial,” Mr Robert said.

The new academic services contract runs for five years, with options for a further five years.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) (02) 6277 7730 or  0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999