Master of Cyber Security

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Master of Cyber Security
Deakin course code	S734
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	Yes
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
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024 This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024 This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2024 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	093941G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
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. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand globally 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’ll 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 prepares you to counter the number one criminal threat to modern-day society.

Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry with a degree ranked in the top 1% globally for computer science and systems*

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

Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security gives 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.

With access to current state-of-the-art software and hardware throughout the course, you will learn about digital forensics, security and privacy issues in analytics and network security. Through vital hands-on experience, you will gain the technical skills required to confidently investigate and combat cyber crime and cyberterrorism.

You’ll graduate ready for a variety of security roles within business, government and law enforcement. Examples include risk analyst, information security specialist, security system developer or programmer, cyber security consultant, security systems manager, security consultant, information security auditor or security manager. Combined with experience, you could take on roles such as chief security officer.

*2022 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

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

Career opportunities

The rapid growth of cybercrime has created unparalleled opportunities for those with cyber security expertise, with jobs in the Database and Systems Adminstrators & ICT Security sector predicted to increase by 38.9% by November 2026^*.

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

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

*Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.

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. 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.

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

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 the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and 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.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop specialised and essential knowledge of security needs for design and development of secure systems, processes, concepts, and technologies; to develop software systems, products and solutions that automate business processes at par with benchmarks and industry standards and based on evolving cyber security needs. Develop extended knowledge in the development and use of techniques, systems and approaches for secure communication and the systematic analysis of systems for features related to cyber security.
Communication	Communicate effectively to design, evaluate, and respond to advances in technology in the cyber security context, future trends and industry standards and utilise a range of verbal, graphical and written forms, customised for diverse audiences including specialist and non- specialist.
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 in the context of cyber security.
Critical thinking	Appraise complex information using critical and analytical thinking and judgement to identify problems, analyse user requirements and propose appropriate and innovative cybersecurity solutions.
Problem solving	Generate cyber 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 cyber security solutions.
Self-management	Take personal, professional, and social responsibility within changing national and international professional IT and cybersecurity contexts; to develop autonomy as researchers and evaluate own performance for continuing professional development. Work autonomously and responsibly to create cyber security 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.

Approved by Faculty Board 23 September 2021.

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: Mastery Cyber Security Studies (8 credit points)
Part C: Cyber Security capstone units (4 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.

Course structure

Core

Mandatory unit for all entry levels

DAI001

Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)

Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies

SIT771

Object-Oriented Development

SIT772

Database Fundamentals

SIT773

Software Requirements Analysis and Modelling

SIT774

Web Technologies and Development

Part B: Mastery Cyber Security Studies

SIT736

Identity, Access Management and Physical Security

SIT719

Analytics for Security and Privacy

SIT763

Cyber Security Management

SIT716

Computer Networks and Security

SIT735

Application and Communication Protocol Security

SIT703

Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT704

Ethical Hacking

SIT738

Secure Coding

Part C: Cyber Security capstone units

SIT753

Professional Practice in Information Technology

SIT764

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ~

SIT782

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ~

Plus one (1) level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective unit (one credit point).

~ 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

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