Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security)

The master of information technology (cyber security) aims to develop cyber security professionals with advanced knowledge in cyber security governance, risk and compliance (grc). To ensure you graduate job-ready, significant consultation with industry has taken place to establish both the technical and non-technical expertise demanded by employers. 

In recent years, calls for cyber security professionals with a strong working-knowledge of GRC in complex organisational environments has significantly increased. As such, this program will build your professional proficiency, as well your ability to examine and implement a range of technology-based cyber security defences to address emerging threats and attacks.

This program is suitable for students from any background / discipline. You will develop technical expertise in information technology (IT); technical proficiency in cyber security; and, an understanding of GRC as it applies to information technology and cyber security.

Information technology professionals can use this program to gain specialist expertise and pursue a career in cyber security.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

Degree overview

• Benefit from our well-established links with industry offering valuable opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in professional contexts.
• Develop advanced knowledge and skills in cyber security standards, frameworks and guidelines.
• Apply professional skills to organisational contexts with a focus on governance, risk management and compliance.
• Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in cyber security.
• Build your technical expertise with advanced topics in areas such as security operations, security architectures, and cyber law and digital evidence.
• Access networking and cyber security laboratories or online simulation tools to develop your skills in a virtual environment.
• Enjoy the flexibility to study full-time, part-time, online or on-campus.

What you'll learn

• The Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security) has been designed to develop foundational, discipline specific knowledge in IT in your first semester of study. 

From there, you will complete courses that develop your knowledge in governance, risk management and compliance, business practices, network security and cyber criminal behaviour, before completing advanced topics in:

• Security operations
• Security architectures
• Enterprise and cyber physical security, and
• Cyber law and digital evidence.

In your final year, you will put your skills into practice through our Professional Practice Project, working with an industry client. You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.

Why Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security)

• UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub. Based at Lot Fourteen, the Hub is set to drive new innovations in technology and provide the best education for Australia’s next cyber security professionals.
• We are committed to excellence in IT education. Our educators are active researchers, with their findings directly linked to what is taught in the program. UniSA's research in information technology is rated as world-class1. You will draw on current research in cyber security in your coursework and projects, and learn from dedicated, experienced, and highly qualified teaching staff.
• As a UniSA student, you will benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry. In your final year, you will work with an industry client through our Capstone Professional Project, providing you with the opportunity to apply your skills and expertise in a professional environment.
• Students have the option to study full-time or part-time, on-campus, online, or a combination of both. Those studying on-campus will have access to networking and cyber security laboratories, where you can develop your skills in a simulated environment. Online students will be provided online simulation tools to ensure they too can develop the practical application of newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Real-world connections

UniSA is home to several research institutes and centres with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students, as well as state-of-the-art facilities. These include:

• Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
• Industrial AI Research Centre
• Industry 4.0 Testlab

Your career

Graduates will have the skills and expertise required for employment as cyber security professionals within both the public and private sector. You can expect to seek employment in roles such as:

• Cyber security analyst
• Cyber security consultant
• Governance, risk and compliance analyst

Career progression may see you take on roles such as:

• Senior cyber security analyst
• Cyber security manager
• Chief security officer
• Chief information officer