Master of Cyber Security

2021 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Indicative student workload
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Pathways
• Alternative exits
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

In an increasingly digital world, cyber-attacks are an everyday occurrence. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand around the world to protect organisations in all sectors from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.  Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security equips you with the specialised skills to investigate and combat cyber crime and prepares 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 vital experience will prepare you to counter the number one criminal threat to modern-day society.

Ready to take on an expert security role within business, government or law enforcement?

Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security will give you the skills required to effectively and strategically respond to cyber security challenges from both a technical and organisational perspective. You will gain a solid understanding of cyber security concepts and industry practices as well as the techniques and tools available to prevent and mitigate cyber security threats.

You will learn about digital forensics, security and privacy issues in analytics, network security, and gain the technical skills required to investigate and combat cyber-crime and cyberterrorism.

Deakin regularly invests in its facilities, you will have access to current state-of-the-art software and hardware throughout the course, giving you vital hands-on experience that employers demand.

Graduates may pursue a career as a risk analyst, information security specialist, security system developer or programmer, cyber security consultant, security systems manager, cryptographer, security consultant, information security auditor, security manager; and with experience, take on roles such as chief security officer.

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

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:

• Option 1: Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) (followed by a 12 credit point Master of Cyber Security)
• Option 2: Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535) (followed by an 8 credit point Master of Cyber Security)

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

Alternative exits

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

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. Foundation 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

Core

Mandatory unit for all entry levels

Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies

Part B: Introductory Cyber Security Studies

Part C: Mastery Cyber Security Studies

~ 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.

Electives

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

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.

• Contact Student Central