Course overview
In our increasingly digital world, cyber security is a significant challenge for individuals and businesses alike. This course will equip you with an understanding of the major drivers of criminal behaviour, along with the industry-relevant skills to tackle what is quickly becoming a critical threat to society. You will gain expertise in securing data and data communications, as well as investigating and providing solutions to cybercrime.
Develop strong practical and theoretical knowledge, with an emphasis on assessing cyber security in a working environment, developing security solutions for businesses, and understanding the ethical and legal implications of risk management.
You will have access to specialised cyber security labs with state-of-the-art tools, putting you at the cutting edge of cyber security and criminology research.
Are you ready to join the fight against cybercrime?
Designed in conjunction with leading organisations in the field, including Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission, this combined course will equip you with in-demand industry skills valued by employers.
The unique partnership of criminology and cyber security provides you with a thorough understanding of the motivations, causes and consequences of crime, as well as the technical skills and cyber security literacy to help prevent and combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism.
Get practical learning with our careers-focused units, which allow you to bridge theory with practice and better understand how criminological thinking applies across industries and sectors.
You will have access to our brand-new specialised capstone project and co-working space, which offers you an inspiring environment to collaborate with your teammates. As part of your cyber security stream, you will undertake two capstone units – allowing you to develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods widely used across industry.
Our past students have collaborated on capstone projects such as:
- is my smart home secure enough?
- virtual penetration testing lab
- one-time pad (OTP) VPN
- voice-activated password security
- secure Australian online voting system.
Need more flexibility in your studies? Take advantage of our flexible learning options and find the right balance for you. You can choose to study part-time or full-time, on campus or 100% online. You can also take advantage of Deakin’s trimester system and fast-track your degree by completing your combined course in a shorter time frame.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology
- 6 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of criminology course elective units
- 4 credit points of course electives from Arts courses
- a minimum of 6 credit points of art coded units at level 3
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of Cyber Security capstone units
- A maximum of 12 credit points at level 1
- A minimum of 10 credit points at level 3
- course requirements for both Bachelor of Criminology (A329) and Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) must be satisfied
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Bachelor of Criminology
Core Units
- Introducing Crime and Criminology (also offered in Trimester 3)
- Introducing Crime and Criminal Justice
- Issues in Criminal Justice
- Explaining Crime
- International and Comparative Criminal Justice
- Criminology Research
Plus at least six credit points from the list below:
- Crime, Victims and Justice
- Crime, Media and Justice
- Criminology in Action
- Crime Prevention and Security
- Inequality, Power and Justice
- Surveillance and Social Justice
- Crime, Terrorism and Security
- Careers in Criminal Justice
- Black Market Economics: Exploring the Underworld of Illicit Trade
Bachelor of Cyber Security studies
Core units
- Safety Induction Program (0) credit point
- Career Tools for Employability (0) credit point
- Introduction to Programming
- Computer Systems
- Real World Practices for Cyber Security
- Discrete Mathematics
- Object-Oriented Development
- Computer Networks and Communication
- Professional Practice in Information Technology #
- Secure Coding
- Computer Forensics and Investigations
- Malware Analysis
- Network Forensics
- Cyber Security Analytics
- Ethical Hacking
Cyber Security capstone
- Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices
Plus, two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:
- Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery
- IT Placements and Industry Experience
OR
- Professional Practice
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
Trimester 2 - July
Trimester 3 - November
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.
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.
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.
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.
Participation requirements
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
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
Selection adjustments
Admissions information
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Students applying with prior study or recognition for prior learning will need to contact the student support office to review their enrolment plans.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
 | To learn more about what the Bachelor of Criminology, and criminology double degrees at Deakin have to offer, download our course flyer. (PDF, 518.4KB) |
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Promising career opportunities await in the areas of both criminology and cyber security. As a graduate, you may find employment in areas such as government agencies, state and federal police, security and intelligence agencies, research and policy development, correctional services, community services, and private security and consultative industries. You will also be equipped for more technical roles such as security analyst, security systems manager, security system developer/programmer, anti-virus software developer or computer forensic specialist.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security part of this double degree is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Course learning outcomes
Events
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