Networks and Cybersecurity Major (Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences)

Study networks and cybersecurity, and prepare yourself for a wide range of exciting career opportunities in this fast-growing area. Information is often an organisation’s most precious asset – but it’s also one of its most vulnerable assets. 

New information security threats and attacks are constantly developing and the only solution is to develop increasingly secure networks. That’s why networks and cybersecurity are areas that are universally important.

What you study

• Study the basics and infrastructure of networking, and learn to configure, implement and analyse network devices. This includes information network administration and cybersecurity to an advanced level.

Year 1

• You’ll study six core courses that cover foundational computing knowledge. You also become more familiar with networks and the internet, exploring data communications and computer networking principles in a network environment.

You study the following courses:
Core courses

• COMP500 Programming Concepts and Techniques
• COMP501 Computing Technology in Society
• COMP507 IT Project Management
• COMP508 Database System Design
• DIGD507 Mahitahi/Collaborative Practices
• MATH503 Mathematics for Computing

Networks and cybersecurity course

• COMP504 Networks and Internet 
• You also take the first course for your second major, minor or elective courses.

Year 2

• Courses you study this year include network and system administration, applications, and operating systems.

You study the following courses:

• Networks and cybersecurity courses
• COMP604 Operating Systems
• COMP607 Information Security Technologies
• COMP609 Network and System Administration
• ENEL611 Computer Network Applications

You also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 3

• This year you complete courses related to network security, network technologies, enterprise networks, secure systems, and information security management.

You study the following courses:

• Networks and cybersecurity courses
• COMP715 Network Security

One of:

• COMP714 Advanced Network Technologies
• COMP729 Enterprise Networks

One of:

• COMP716 Highly Secure Systems
• COMP718 Information Security Management

Study planner for this programme

• Download our study planner to see what your studies could look like in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.
• Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences study planner (PDF, 167.4 KB)

Workplace experience

• The Research and Development Project course in your final year brings together the skills you’ve developed throughout your degree. You apply what you’ve learnt throughout your studies in a project for an industry client or research centre, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

• Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

Ready to enrol in your courses?

• Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for more info on a specific course use our course search.

Career opportunities

• IT security analyst
• Network analyst
• Network designer
• Systems and network administrator

Other majors in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Digital Services
• Software Development

Postgraduate study

• Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences
• Postgraduate Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences
• Master of Computer and Information Sciences
• Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Key features

• Design and implement network and cybersecurity solutions
• Practical projects where you apply your knowledge to implement networks and secure systems
• A major research project for an industry organisation or research centre
• Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree

See yourself as

• Logical
• A planner
• Strategically-minded
• A problem-solver