Bachelor of Cyber Security

Undergraduate degree

Secure your digital future through exploration of best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges.

Burwood

63.3 ATAR lowest selection rank ?

Student access and equity

60 Deakin guaranteed ATAR ?

Check if you are eligible and how to apply

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Waurn Ponds

62.55 ATAR lowest selection rank ?

Student access and equity

55 Deakin guaranteed ATAR ?

Check if you are eligible and how to apply

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Online

NP ATAR lowest selection rank ?

Student access and equity

58 Deakin guaranteed ATAR ?

Check if you are eligible and how to apply

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Course overview

Cyber security threats are a rapidly growing global challenge for individuals and businesses alike. Secure technology is not only pivotal to business, but to everyday life. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand around the world. Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security equips you with the essential skills to investigate and combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism. You will graduate with the expertise to tackle one of the fastest-growing criminal threats to modern-day society.

Gain practical and theoretical knowledge with an emphasis on assessing cyber security in a working environment, as well as the business, ethical and legal implications of risk management. You will cover areas such as computer crime and digital forensics and gain the skills to identify, diagnose and manage the challenges of cyber security. As a graduate, you will be well prepared for an exciting career in one of the most in-demand global industries.

Are you ready to join the fight against cybercrime?

Rise to the challenge of cybercrime with a world class degree from a university ranked in the top 1% globally for computer science and information systems.*

This course equips you with the skills demanded by a diverse range of industry and government sectors, covering areas such as:

  • computer crime and digital forensics
  • evaluating software for security vulnerabilities
  • designing secure databases
  • securing operating systems
  • assessing and reinforcing the security of websites
  • integrating security requirements into new developments
  • designing secure network architectures
  • performing risk assessments and responding to cyber security incidents.

With access to our specialised capstone project and co-working space, you will collaborate with your teammates on your capstone project, develop solutions to real-world industry problems and learn agile project management methods, widely used across the 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.

This course also includes a core IT work placement unit, where you will undertake professional work experience with an approved host organisation. You may also have the opportunity to access one of 50 guaranteed employment placements with banks, including partnerships with NAB, ANZ and Dimension Data. You will work on industry projects, gain experience in entrepreneurship, and acquire valuable business skills.

This experience ensures you will be well-prepared to apply your learning in the workplace and deal with imminent threats and challenges emerging in the digital space.

*2022 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Read More

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Cyber Security
Year

2025 course information

VTAC code

1400314201 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400311981 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Regional Access Scheme
1400514201 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614201 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

Deakin code
S334
CRICOS code?
091336M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security, students must pass 24 credit points, which must include the following:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • 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
  • 4 credit points from a minor sequence
  • 4 credit points of open elective units
  • maximum 10 credit points at level 1
  • minimum 6 credit points at level 3.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

13

Core units

3

Capstone units

8

Minor/Elective units

24

Total

Course Certifications

The following units are designed to align with established cyber security industry certifications. 

  • Real World Practices for Cyber Security
  • Secure Coding
  • Computer Forensics and Investigations
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Examples of industry certifications include, but are not limited to:

    • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
    • Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP)
    • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
    • Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX)

    These industry certifications are recognised globally and provide an indication of your competency in these highly skilled cyber security areas.

    Core

    Year 1 -Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)
  • Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Computer Systems
  • Real World Practices for Cyber Security
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Year 1 - Trimester 2

  • Computer Networks and Communication
  • Object-Oriented Development
  • Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)


    Year 2 - Trimester 1

  • Computer Forensics and Investigations
  • Cyber Security Analytics
  • Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)

    Year 2 - Trimester 2

  • Secure Coding
  • Professional Practice in Information Technology #
  • Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)


    Year 3 - Trimester 1

  • Malware Analysis
  • Network Forensics
  • Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

    Year 3 - Trimester 2

  • Ethical Hacking
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

    Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:

  • Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^
  • IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+
  • OR

  • Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+
  • ^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3.

    + Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology. 

    # 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.

    Electives

    Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. You may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

    Minor sequences

    Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

    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

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

    Trimester 2 - July

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

    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 that students 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.

    Combined courses

    The Bachelor of Cyber Security is also available as the following combined courses

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    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

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    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

    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 (WIL) 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.

    For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.

    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

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 30 in any English, any Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

    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.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $8,978 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    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

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.

    Apply directly to Deakin

    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.

    Deakin Regional Access Scheme

    You can apply for this course through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme, which is offered to current Year 12 students looking to study at our regional campuses. We want to know all about the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for university study.

    To apply, complete the online application form and preference your chosen course in your VTAC application, using the Deakin Regional Access Scheme VTAC code.

    Pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Cyber Security with our pathways finder.

    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.

    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.

    Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society

    50+ guaranteed employment placements

    Specialised cyber security labs with state-of-the-art tools

    Gain 100+ hours professional industry experience

    Career outcomes

    Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry and help secure our digital future. Australian Government employment projections predict a 38.9% growth for database and systems administrators and ICT security specialists for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026*. Take advantage of this huge demand for cyber security specialists with the Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin.

    As a graduate you may find employment in one of the following roles:

    • cyber security analyst
    • network security analyst
    • cyber threat analyst
    • incident responder
    • operations coordinator
    • penetration tester
    • cyber security advisor
    • vulnerability researcher
    • cyber security consultant
    • information security auditor
    • IT security engineer
    • digital forensics analyst
    • project manager
    • cyber security system developer or programmer
    • cyber security system manager.

    *Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026

    Professional recognition

    The Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline including its dynamic environment, with detailed knowledge of project management principles and in depth knowledge in IT Security. Design, develop and implement IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT. Acquire in-depth knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage security solutions for systems, networks, and data according to industry-accepted standards and best practice.

    Communication

    Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.

    Digital literacy

    Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions.

    Critical thinking

    Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of cyber security.

    Problem solving

    Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems.

    Self-management

    Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.

    Teamwork

    Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions.

    Global citizenship

    Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures.