Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours)
Deakin course code	S434
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	Yes
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	111443E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Secure technology is not only pivotal to business, but to everyday life. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand globally. Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) is a specialised four-year course that equips you with the essential skills to investigate and protect computer systems, networks and programs. This is achieved through the exploration of best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges.

You will assess cyber security systems in a working environment, covering areas such as computer crime and digital forensics while gaining the skills to identify, diagnose and manage risk. You can undertake a professional placement or work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project. You can also focus your studies by undertaking a minor in an area of your choosing, and you will complete an honours research project in your final year.

Ready to secure the digital future?

The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You'll explore fundamental concepts across computer systems and discrete mathematics in your first year, before diving into more advanced topics in networking and communication, computer and network forensics, security analytics, secure coding, and ethical hacking.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, 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.

Career opportunities

Skilled cyber security professionals are greatly sought after across the globe. As a graduate, you will have a highly specialised skill set that enables you to effectively identify, diagnose and manage cyber security challenges. You may find employment as a security analyst, project manager, security systems developer, programmer or auditor, security consultant, or IT security engineer - to name a few.

By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study you will acquire research skills and advanced technical expertise in your chosen topic. Plus you will develop the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cyber security. You will also be well positioned to pursue further study including a masters by research or PhD.

Participation requirements

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

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. More information available at Disability support services.

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

The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD)’ guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.

Alternative exit

S334 Bachelor of Cyber Security

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop a coherent and advanced knowledge of cyber security, with detailed knowledge of the computer networking, security analytics, secure coding and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice and research.
Communication	Communicate in a professional context incorporating research-driven perspective to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.
Digital literacy	Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources for research and practice.
Critical thinking	Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with research and practice in cyber security.
Problem solving	Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate innovative solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems.
Self-management	Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in research and professional practice and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.
Teamwork	Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security practice and research to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions.
Global citizenship	Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and practice in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
13 credit points of core units
3 credit points cyber security capstone units
4 credit points cyber security research training capstone units
12 credit points which may comprise of:
- 3 minors (12 credit points)
- 2 minors (8 credit points) and 4 credit points of open elective units
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 8 credit points of open elective units
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Minors

Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

Course structure

Core

Year 1 -Trimester 1

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

SIT111

Computer Systems

SIT182

Real World Practices for Cyber Security

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

SIT010

Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SIT282

Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT384

Cyber Security Analytics

Plus, 2 minor or open elective units ( 2 credit points)

Year 2 - Trimester 2

SIT218

Secure Coding

SIT223

Professional Practice in Information Technology #

Plus, 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)

Year 3 - Trimester 1

SIT324

Malware Analysis

SIT327

Network Forensics

SIT374

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^

Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

Year 3 - Trimester 2

SIT379

Ethical Hacking

Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^

SIT306

IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+

SIT344

Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+

Year 4 - Trimester 1

SIT723

Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) (Research Training capstone)^

Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)

Year 4 - Trimester 2

2 credit points from the following Research Training capstone options:

SIT724

Research Project (2 credit points)^

SIT746

Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^*

Plus, 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)

^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3.

+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology.

# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit).

* Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.

Electives

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

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.

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

For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.

Details of minor sequences

Security Management

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Geelong (Waurn Ponds), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000003

Overview

The security management minor will give you the opportunity for you to use your learned managerial and cyber security skills to assist companies in their planning, governance and change policies, ensuring their resilience and defence of related threats.

Units

Four units from:

MIS211

Cyber Security and Governance *

MMH356

Change Management *

MMM132

Management *

SIT182

Real World Practices for Cyber Security

SIT284

Cyber Security Management *

*Students in S326, S334 and S434 should undertake MIS211, MMH356, MMM132 and SIT284.

Network Security

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Geelong (Waurn Ponds), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000010

Overview

Learn the details of defending computer networks. Study advanced network defence techniques including using forensics, machine learning, and data science to protect network data from attackers.

Units

SIT221

Data Structures and Algorithms

SIT281

Cryptography

SIT325

Advanced Network Security

SIT326

Advanced Network Analytics and Forensics

Information Technologies Research

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

MN-S000018

Overview

This minor provides students with hands-on experience in research and publishing scientific papers. This minor is designed to help support students aiming to pursue a research higher degree.

Units

SLE761

Professional Research Practice

SIT718

Real World Analytics

SIT747

Research Project (Publication) (2 credit points)+

+ Entry to SIT747 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

Course duration

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

Further information

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

Contact Student Central

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.