Master of Cyber Security

Our master of cyber security program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to lead cutting-edge cyber security initiatives for governments, law enforcement agencies, companies, and ngos. 

The program encompasses a broad spectrum of industries, including health, medical technology, defence and security, environment, and natural resources, providing you with diverse international exposure. Additionally, through our affiliation with the prestigious Australian Institute of Machine Learning, you will have access to their research excellence in AI and machine learning. This advantage will enable you to gain valuable AI knowledge, enhancing your preparedness for future challenges in the field of cyber security.

You will gain:

• A deep, interdisciplinary understanding of complex cyber security needs and considerations across multiple industries
• Highly advanced technical skills and the ability to apply them in real-world contexts
• The ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant data and technology
• The refined interpersonal skills to effectively communicate issues and strategies to a range of stakeholders
• The chance to gain invaluable real-world experience, through a major research or industry-based project as well as an optional industry internship.

How will you study?

• This program is able to be studied in either part-time, standard full-time or accelerated mode—enabling you to undertake your studies at a pace and level of commitment that suits you. For further information, see the Degree Structure section.

Where could a Master of Cyber Security take you?

• You will build solutions for new challenges in the field of IT and data science/AI systems. You could develop strategies to secure health providers’ patient data. You could protect social media users’ personal details. Perhaps you’ll prevent cyber theft for global financial institutions. Or ensure undercover police officers’ identities aren’t compromised. You could develop frameworks to protect small to medium businesses.  Wherever your interests lie, your expertise will be in demand.

Defend the digital domain

• Cyber security is a crucial component for every company, spanning all sectors and offering numerous job opportunities. It plays an essential role in safeguarding organisations from cybercrime, which costs the world tens of trillions annually. Governments and businesses worldwide actively work to protect themselves from evolving threats. Companies are now seeking cyber security experts with advanced technical skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the social, legal, and business contexts in the digital world. With the increasing reliance on AI systems in the future, the significance of cyber security is expected to grow even further.

Career Readiness

• Graduates are well equipped to lead cyber security initiatives across industry as diverse as finance and banking, government, education, healthcare and online retail.
• The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

• Computational Scientist;  Computer Forensics Specialist;  Computer Programmer;  Computer Scientist;  Cyber Defender;  Cyber Intelligence Expert;  Diagnostic Technician;  Digital Strategist;  Encryption Specialist;  IT Manager.

Degree Structure

• The Master of Cyber Security is ideal for those students who have a background/qualifications in another field and are looking to upskill in this exciting, high-demand area. The curriculum has been designed to include all of the necessary computer science foundations for students to succeed. Students with relevant qualifications or experience can apply for advanced standing.

To qualify for the Master of Cyber Security, students must complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:

• Core Courses to the value of 12 units
• A research or industry project to the value of 12 units
• Electives to the value of 24 units
• Unless exempted, international students are required to take ELEC ENG 7057 Communications & Critical Thinking in lieu of an elective.

Study mode

• This program is able to be studied in either part-time, standard full-time or accelerated mode—enabling you to undertake your studies at a pace and level of commitment that suits you.

Accelerated mode – 12 units (4 courses) per trimester

• Standard full-time mode – 24 units (8 courses) per year
• Part-time mode – 3 or 6 units (1 or 2 courses) per trimester
• You can even choose the study load that works best for you at different times of the year.