Master 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 Master 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 Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration

Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, your course will be:

  • 1 year full time (2 years part time) – 8 credit points
  • 1.5  years full time (3 years part time) – 12 credit points
  • 2 years full time (4 years part time) – 16 credit points
CRICOS course code093941G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS734
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 9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

In an increasingly digital world, cyber-attacks are an everyday occurrence. Cyber security professionals are employed to protect organisations from these cyber threats and are in high demand globally. This course can prepare you for a successful career in cyber security anywhere in the world.

Throughout the Master of Cyber Security, you will learn how to detect, analyse and confront cyber security challenges. You will focus on a range of studies, and gain knowledge about system security and digital forensics, analytics, organisational security and human aspects of cyber security.

This course gives you the cyber security skills that are crucial to the success of our digital future. And, once you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and talent to take on an expert security role within business, government or law enforcement. 

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.

Career opportunities

Career options are varied, you could work anywhere in the world as a:

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

Participation requirements

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.

Pathways

Pathways for students to enter the Master of Cyber Security are as follows:

Pathway options will depend on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

 

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535)
Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578)
Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635)

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, evaluate, implement and manage cyber security solutions for complex systems, organisations, platforms communication channels, and data, based on industry-accepted standards and best practice.  Design, develop and implement advanced cyber systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use to withstand emerging attacks/threats in cyber space.

Communication

Communicate effectively in order to design, evaluate and respond to advances in technology, future trends and industry standards and utilise a range of verbal, graphical and written forms, customised for diverse audiences including specialist and non- specialist clients, colleagues and industry personnel.

Digital literacy

Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, synthesise, evaluate, critique and disseminate both technical and professional information.

Critical thinking

Appraise complex information using critical and analytical thinking and judgement to identify problems, analyse user requirements and propose appropriate and innovative solutions.

Problem solving

Generate IT security solutions through the application of specialised theoretical constructs, expert skills and critical analysis to real-world, ill-defined problems to develop appropriate and innovative IT solutions.

Self-management

Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing national and international professional IT contexts to develop autonomy as researchers and evaluate own performance for continuing professional development.  Work autonomously and responsibly to create solutions to new situations and actively apply knowledge of theoretical constructs and methodologies to make informed decisions.

Teamwork

Work independently and collaboratively towards achieving the outcomes of a group project, thereby demonstrating interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, manage difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback, and demonstrate the ability to function effectively in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.

Global citizenship

Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the design, development and management of IT systems, in the global context, in collaboration with diverse communities and cultures.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Master of Cyber Security, you will complete 8, 12 or 16 credit points, depending on your prior experience.

The course is structured in three parts:

  • Part A. Fundamental Information Technology Studies (4 credit points),
  • Part B. Introductory Cyber Security Studies (4 credit points), and
  • Part C. Mastery Cyber Security Studies (8 credit points).

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit for Parts A and B.

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

Course structure

Electives

Plus two (2) level 7 SIT-coded elective units.

Course structure

Core

Mandatory unit for all entry levels

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

Part A: Fundamental Information Technology Studies

SIT771Object-Oriented Development

SIT772Database and Information Retrieval

SIT773Software Requirements Analysis and Modelling

SIT774Web Technologies and Development

Part B: Introductory Cyber Security Studies

MIS782Value of Information

SIT719Security and Privacy Issues in Analytics

SIT763Cyber Security Management

SIT716Computer Networks and Security

Part C: Mastery Cyber Security Studies

SIT735Communications Network Security

SIT703Advanced Digital Forensics

SIT704Advanced Topics in Digital Security

SIT740Research and Development in Information Technology

SIT764Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ~

SIT782Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ~

 

~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SIT764 and SIT782 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT764 and SIT782 consecutively.


Other course information

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.