Master of Cyber Security

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 prepares you to counter the number one criminal threat to modern-day society. 

Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry armed 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 will 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.
• 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, preparing you for a successful career in cyber security anywhere in the world. 
• Build your capacity to investigate, mitigate and combat cybercrime for a rewarding and highly sought-after career as a cyber security professional.

Course structure

• 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 4 parts:

• Part A: Foundation information technology studies (4 credit points)
• Part B: Fundamental cyber security studies (4 credit points)
• Part C: Mastery cyber security studies (4 credit points)
• PART D: Cyber security capstone studies (4 credit points). 

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

Trimester 1 - March

• Start date: March
• Available at:
• Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
• Online

Trimester 2 - July

• Start date: July
• Available at:
• Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
• Online

Trimester 3 - November

• Start date: November
• Available at:
• Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
• Online

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.

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.

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.

Work experience

• You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course.

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

• Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578), followed by a 12 credit point Master of Cyber Security
• Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) and 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)

Career outcomes

• The rapid growth of cybercrime has created unparalleled opportunities for those with cyber security expertise. Jobs in the Database and Systems Administrators & ICT Security sector are predicted to increase by 38.9% by November 2026.
• Cyber security is not just limited to the realm of Information Technology (IT). It exists in health, science, automative, agriculture, and much more. 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 course, you will have the skills to carve out your niche in an ever-evolving landscape.

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

• Business continuity or IT security engineer
• Incident response analyst   
• Information security auditor
• Security system manager
• Security consultant
• Security system developer or programmer       
• Operations support analyst
• Penetration tester
• Security operations manager
• Infrastructure specialist
• Security operations centre (SOC) analyst
• Security architect.