Bachelor of Cyber Security

2020 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2020 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2020 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Cyber Security
Course Map

Trimester 1 2020 course map

Trimester 2 2020 course map

If you started your course before 2020, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code091336M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS334
Approval statusThis course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Understand how to investigate and combat cyber crime and cyber terrorism with a degree that will lead you into an in-demand industry and a career in managing security in cyberspace.  

Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security equips you with the skills and experience you need to address what’s quickly becoming the number one criminal threat to society.

Are you ready to join the fight against cyber crime?

Cyber security is a growing issue for individuals and businesses alike. As a cyber security graduate, you’ll have the skills demanded by a diverse range of industry and government sectors. Gain strong practical and theoretical knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding and assessing cyber security in a working environment, knowledge of security solutions and an understanding of the business, ethical and legal implications of risk management.You’ll learn how to identify, diagnose, analyse and manage the challenges of cyber security. You’ll cover areas such as:

  • computer crime and digital forensics
  • evaluating software for security vulnerabilities
  • designing secure databases
  • securing operating systems
  • assessing and reinforcing the security of websites
  • integrating security requirements into new developments
  • designing secure network architectures
  • performing risk assessments and responding to cyber security incidents.

You will have access to our brand-new specialised capstone project and co-working space, which offers you an inspiring space to collaborate with your teammates on your capstone project. As a cyber security student you will undertake two capstone units, allowing you to develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods – widely used across industry.Our past students have collaborated on capstone projects such as:

  • Is my smart home secure enough?
  • Virtual penetration testing lab
  • One-time pad (OTP) VPN
  • Voice activated password security
  • Secure Australian online voting system

This course also includes a core IT placement unit where you’ll undertake a minimum of 100 hours of professional work experience with an approved host organisation. You can access 50 guaranteed employment placements with banks, including partnerships with NAB, ANZ and Dimension Data. You’ll work on industry projects and gain experience in entrepreneurship and business skills.

This experience ensures you’ll be well-armed to apply your learning in the workplace and deal with imminent threats and challenges emerging from the digital space.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

You will be able to undertake four industry certifications as part of your cyber security degree for no additional cost.

Certifications include:

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX)
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Security Analyst (ECSA).

These industry certifications are recognised globally and prove your competence and proficiency in these highly skilled cyber security areas.

Career opportunities

Career options include work as a:

  • security consultant
  • cryptographer
  • information security auditor
  • IT security engineer
  • project manager
  • security analyst
  • security system developer or programmer
  • security system manager

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.


Equipment requirements

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology's website, www.deakin.edu.au/information-technology/students or telephone 03 9244 6699.


Combined courses

The Bachelor of Cyber Security is also available as a combined course with Criminology, please refer to D380 Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

 

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline including its dynamic environment, with detailed knowledge of project management principles and in depth knowledge in IT Security.  Design, develop and implement IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT.  Acquire in-depth knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage security solutions for systems, networks, and data according to industry-accepted standards and best practice. 

Communication

Communicate in an IT context to inform, motivate and effect change utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. 

Digital literacy

Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process and disseminate both technical and non-technical information. 

Critical thinking

Evaluate specialist IT information using critical and analytical thinking, technical skills and well-developed judgement to identify problems, analyse user requirements and propose solutions. 

Problem solving

Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative IT solutions.

Self-management

Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of IT with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.  Apply understanding of reflective practice and self-critique skills within broad parameters to plan for their own future continuing professional development.  

Teamwork

Apply the principles of effective teamwork as a member of diverse IT teams to demonstrate responsibility for own learning within broad parameters.

Global citizenship

Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability for own learning to the development, design, construction and management of localised IT solutions.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security, students must attain 24 credit points.  Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

  • 17 core units (which includes a compulsory internship unit - SIT306 IT Placement or STP301 Industry Based learning)
  • 7 elective units
  • completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
  • completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
  • completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
  • level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
  • levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels
  • level 3 - minimum of 6 credit points of which at least 4 must be SIT-coded units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core

Level 1 -Trimester 1

SIT124Exploring I.T.

SIT105Thinking Technology and Design

SIT182Real World Practices for Cyber Security

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

SIT010Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

Plus one elective unit

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SIT103Data and Information Management

SIT102Introduction to Programming

Plus two elective units


Level 2 - Trimester 1

SIT223Professional Practice in Information Technology #

SIT192Discrete Mathematics

SIT384Cyber Security Analytics

Plus one elective unit

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SIT202Networks and Communications

SIT281Cryptography

SIT284Cyber Security Management

SIT282Computer Crime and Digital Forensics


Level 3 - Trimester 1

SIT374Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ~

SIT379Ethical Hacking

Plus one unit in:

SIT306IT Placement ^#

or

STP301Industry Based Learning

Plus one elective unit

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SIT378Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery

SIT382System Security

Plus two elective units

^ offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3

# Must have completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.

Course structure

Electives

Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

Course structure

Course Certifications

Students enrolled in S334 Bachelor of Cyber Security (and combined course - D380 Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security) will have the opportunity to complete the following certifications, noting that these certifications are not part of your course requirements:

SIT001Cyber Security Fundamentals (0 credit points)^

SIT002Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (0 credit points)

SIT003Certified Ethical Hacker (0 credit points)^

SIT004Certified Security Analyst (0 credit points)

^ 2020 will be the last offering of this unit.

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement between 6 – 12 weeks (conditions apply, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil)

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.


Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Other learning experiences

To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.