Master of Cyber Security (Professional)

2019 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2019 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2019 course information

Award granted Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
Course Map

2019 course map

If you started your course before 2019, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser

Campus
Cloud CampusYes
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code093940G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS735
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.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Cloud Campus.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is designed to extend the specialised cyber security skills obtained in the Master of Cyber Security by providing students with the opportunity to undertake a period of industry-based learning or a research project under the supervision of our internationally-recognised research staff.

The course prepares you for a variety of security roles within business, government and law enforcement by combining technical studies in system security, digital forensics and analytics with organisational security, governance and policy skills. 

A serious challenge facing governments and organisations is how to deal with the dramatic increase in the number and severity of cyber attacks which cause great loss to business, government and society. Addressing cyber attacks is integral to a wide variety of organisations and government departments, in the context of technology, law and ethics. Having professionals with cyber security skills is crucial for the ongoing success of our digital future.

The course is ideally suited to those who have completed an undergraduate degree in a similar discipline, in the field of information technology or computing.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

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
  • security 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.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535)
Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635)
Master of Cyber Security (S734)

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.  Assess the role of cyber security in the context of modern organisations and society in order to add value.

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.  Evaluate the place and role of security systems, applications and processes in organisational and societal contexts for reliability, usefulness and the value they add to those contexts.

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 7 June 2018

Course rules

To complete the Master of Cyber Security (Professional), students must attain 16 credit points over 2 years of full time study (or part time equivalent).   Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 16 credit points, which must include the following:

  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Ten (10) core units
  • Two (2) level 7 SIT-coded elective units
  • plus a further 4 credit points from a specified list

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

Course structure

Electives

Two additional level 7 SIT-coded elective units.

Course structure

Core

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

MIS782Value of Information

SIT719Security and Privacy Issues in Analytics

SIT735Communications Network Security

SIT703Advanced Digital Forensics

SIT704Advanced Topics in Digital Security

SIT763Cyber Security Management

SIT740Research and Development in Information Technology

SIT764Project Analysis and Design ~

SIT782Project Delivery

SIT716Computer Networks and Security

Plus a further four credit points from the below list:

SIT790Major Thesis (4 cp), or

SIT791Professional Practice (4 cp)*, or

SIT792Minor Thesis (2 cp), and 2 additional credit points of level 7 SIT elective units

* must have successfully completed STP710 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

~ 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.

Work experience

You will have an opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific internship placement as part of your course. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.


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.