Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours)
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) |
| Course credit points | 32 |
| Deakin course code | S434 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2023 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS 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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of minor sequences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Cyber security threats are a rapidly growing global challenge for individuals and businesses. As a result, cyber security is one of the fastest-growing employment fields worldwide. When you study Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours), your learning is informed by leading research from 120+ researchers and 30+ industry partners at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Hub.
The honours degree is a specialised four-year course that equips you with the essential skills to investigate and protect computer systems, networks and programs. You will explore best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges. Technology is transforming everything, and as a student at the #1 Victorian university for computing and information systems graduate employment, you will graduate ready to drive that change!
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.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is recognised for specialist cybersecurity accreditation. This course is also recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
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 operations analyst, penetration tester, project manager, security systems developer, cyber security specialist, security consultant or 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.
Alternative exits
| Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) |
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.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with research and practice in cyber security. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points capstone units
- 4 credit points 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.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Minors
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Course structure
Core units
You are required to complete 13 core units, three credit points of capstone units plus 4 credit points of research training capstone units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
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) |
| 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 ^ (capstone) |
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 ^ (capstone) |
| SIT306 | IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+ (capstone) |
OR
| SIT344 | Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+ (capstone) |
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)^ (research training capstone) |
OR
| SIT746 | Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^* (research training capstone) |
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
Choose open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting the unit prerequisites).
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 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 | Leading Change * |
| MMM132 | Managing People and Organisations * |
| 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
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.