Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Cyber Security (Professional) |
| Course credit points | 16 |
| Deakin course code | S735 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2017 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Duration | 2 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 | 093940G Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
| Supplementary information | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin Online. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Alternative exits
- Research information
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
In today's world, as everything turns digital, cyber threats are becoming an increasingly big problem for companies everywhere. The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is designed to help you tackle these challenges head-on. You will learn how to protect our digital world and be ready to deal with cyberattacks. This course covers both the technical and organisational aspects of cyber security, preparing you for the growing and dynamic field.
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge cyber security methodologies, get equipped with in-demand skills, and gain hands-on experience. World-class research feeds into our classrooms with 120+ researchers and 30+ industry partners at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Hub. You will build your confidence through the pursuit of one of three professional studies options: a team project, a professional placement, or a research project under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.
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 (Professional) 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.
In order to meet ACS requirements for professional membership, students must satisfy the completion requirements for the whole degree. In addition, ACS guidelines require that the following specific units are completed at Deakin or equivalent units undertaken within another ACS-accredited program: SIT703, SIT704,SIT716, SIT735, SIT753, SIT764, SIT782, SIT723, SIT792, SIT791, SIT709.
Career opportunities
The rapid growth of cybercrime has created unparalleled opportunities for those with cyber security expertise. Jobs in database and systems administration, as well as ICT security, are projected to grow by 24.7% by November 2034.* Security management specialists also rank among the top five fastest-growing roles worldwide, with information security analysts appearing in the top 15.^
Cyber security is not just limited to the realm of IT. It exists in the health, science, automotive and agriculture sectors, among others. Other areas might include government, military, banking, telecommunications, and retail. Wherever digital information is present, there is a need for specialists to combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism. After completing this degree, you will have the skills to carve out your niche in an ever-evolving landscape.
Career options are varied, with opportunities to work anywhere in the world as a:
- business continuity or IT security engineer
- cyber security specialist
- cyber security manager
- DevSecOps developer
- information security auditor
- infrastructure specialist
- incident response analyst
- operations support analyst
- penetration tester
- security analyst
- security architect
- security consultant
- security operations centre (SOC) analyst
- security operations manager
- security system developer or programmer
- security system manager
- threat intelligence analyst
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) specialist
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager
- Digital forensics specialist
* 2024 Employment Projections – for the ten years to 2034, Jobs and Skills Australia.
^ World Economic Forum’s ‘The Future of Jobs Report 2025’.
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 (Professional) are as follows:
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) followed by a 16 credit point Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535) followed by a 12 credit point Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
Pathway options will depend on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535) | |
| Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635) | |
| Master of Cyber Security (S734) |
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. 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.
Research information
Students interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research, including a Masters by Research or PhD are encouraged to undertake the Professional Studies – Research Project pathway and consider using their electives to undertake additional research units (e.g. SIT724, SIT746 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course adviser if they are interested in pursuing this option.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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 to add value. |
| Communicate in professional and other contexts to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security and to motivate and effect change by drawing upon advances in technology, future trends and industry standards, and by utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences including specialist and non-specialist clients, industry personnel and other stakeholders. |
| Identify, evaluate, select and use advanced digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and justify digital tools selection to influence others. |
| Questions assumptions and seeks to uncover inconsistencies and ambiguities in information and judgements, critically evaluates their sources and rationales, to inform and justify decision making in the field of cyber security. |
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of cyber security and apply expert, specialised cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to complex real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Apply reflective practice and work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to complex situations and ongoing learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal and professional accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
| Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing specialist knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles to cultivate creative thinking, interpersonal adeptness, leadership skills, and handle challenging discussions, while excelling in diverse professional, social, and cultural scenarios. |
| Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the field of cyber security, with appreciation for the global context, and openly and respectfully collaborate 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
The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is structured in four parts:
- Part A: Fundamental Cyber Security Studies (4 credit points)
- Part B: Mastery Cyber Security Studies (4 credit points)
- Part C: Course electives (4 credit points)
- Part D: Professional Studies (4 credit points)
To complete the Master of Cyber Security (Professional) you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of professional studies capstone units which may comprise of:
- Team Project or
- Professional Practice (subject to meeting unit requirements) or
- Research Project (subject to meeting unit requirements)
- 4 credit points of course elective units (level 7 SIT or MIS-coded units excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
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.
Course structure
Part A: Fundamental Cyber Security Studies
You are required to complete four core units within Part A (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which are compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SIT736 | Identity, Access Management and Physical Security |
| SIT719 | Analytics for Security and Privacy |
| SIT763 | Cyber Security Management |
| SIT716 | Computer Networks and Security |
Part B: Mastery Cyber Security Studies
You are required to complete four core units within Part B (these are essential units for this degree).
| SIT703 | Computer Forensics and Investigations |
| SIT704 | Ethical Hacking |
| SIT735 | Application and Communication Protocol Security |
| SIT738 | Secure Coding |
Part C: Course electives
You must complete 4 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded course elective units (4 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774).
Part D: Professional studies
You must choose from one of these Professional Studies options.
Team Project
| SIT753 | Professional Practice in Information Technology |
| SIT764 | Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices (capstone) |
| SIT782 | Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery (capstone) |
1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective unit (1 credit point)~
OR
Professional Practice
| STP710 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SIT753 | Professional Practice in Information Technology |
| SIT764 | Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices (capstone) |
| SIT791 | Professional Practice (2 credit points) * (capstone) |
OR
Research Project^
| SIT753 | Professional Practice in Information Technology |
| SIT764 | Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices (capstone) |
Plus 2 credit points from the following:
| SIT723 | Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) + (research training capstone) |
| SIT792 | Minor Thesis (2 credit points) + (research training capstone) |
*Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)
~ excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774
+ Entry is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
^Students interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research, including a Masters by Research or PhD are encouraged to undertake the Professional Studies – Research Project pathway and consider using their electives to undertake additional research units (e.g. SIT724, SIT746 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course adviser if they are interested in pursuing this option.
Work experience
You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
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.