Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent. Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may be eligible for credit which could reduce your course duration.
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
In an increasingly digital world, cyber-attacks are an everyday occurrence. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand globally to protect organisations in all sectors from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security equips you with the specialised skills to investigate and combat cyber-crime, preparing you for a successful career in cyber security anywhere in the world.
Throughout the Master of Cyber Security, you will learn how to detect, analyse and confront cyber security challenges. You will focus on a range of studies and gain knowledge about system security and digital forensics, analytics, organisational security, and human aspects of cyber security. This vital experience prepares you to counter the number one criminal threat to modern-day society.
Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry armed with a degree ranked in the top 1% globally for computer science and systems*.
Ready to take on an expert security role within business, government or law enforcement?
Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security gives you the skills required to effectively and strategically respond to cyber security challenges from both a technical and organisational perspective. You will gain a solid understanding of cyber security concepts and industry practices, as well as the techniques and tools available to prevent and mitigate cyber security threats.
With access to current state-of-the-art software and hardware throughout the course, you will learn about digital forensics, security and privacy issues in analytics and network security. Through vital hands-on experience, you will gain the technical skills required to confidently investigate and combat cyber crime and cyberterrorism.
You will graduate ready for a variety of security roles within business, government and law enforcement. Examples include risk analyst, information security specialist, security system developer or programmer, cyber security consultant, security systems manager, security consultant, information security auditor or security manager. Combined with experience, you could take on roles such as chief security officer.
*2022 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Cyber Security
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S734
- CRICOS code?
- 093941G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Cyber Security, you will complete 8, 12 or 16 credit points, depending on your prior experience.
The course is structured in 4 parts:
- Part A: Foundation information technology studies (4 credit points)
- Part B: Fundamental cyber security studies (4 credit points)
- Part C: Mastery cyber security studies (4 credit points)
- PART D: Cyber security capstone studies (4 credit points).
Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit towards Parts A and B.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
4
Foundation Information Technology units
4
Fundamental Cyber Security Studies units
8
Cyber Security Mastery & Capstone units
16
Total
Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies
Part B: Fundamental Cyber Security Studies
Part C: Mastery Cyber Security Studies
Part D: Cyber Security Capstone Studies
Plus 1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded open elective unit (1 credit point).
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:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
*The 1 year full-time (8cp) version is only available as a part-time commencement in Trimester 3.
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
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
You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with Recognition for Prior Learning credit and complete your course sooner.
Academic requirements
Master of Cyber Security - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning applied~) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related^ discipline
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related^ discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related* discipline, and at least two years' of relevant^ work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Master of Cyber Security - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning applied~) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related* discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' relevant* work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Master of Cyber Security - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline.
*Related to the broad field of Information Technology.
^Related to the field of Cyber Security which may be considered to include network and information security, network engineering, digital forensics and access management.
~ Admission credit will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
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:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (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)
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.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can 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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. 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 length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Pathways for students to enter the Master of Cyber Security are as follows:
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578), followed by a 12 credit point Master of Cyber Security
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) and Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535), followed by an 8 credit point Master of Cyber Security.
Pathway options will depend on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535)
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578)
- Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635)
Careers
Career outcomes
The rapid growth of cybercrime has created unparalleled opportunities for those with cyber security expertise. Jobs in the Database and Systems Administrators & ICT Security sector are predicted to increase by 38.9% by November 2026*.
Cyber security is not just limited to the realm of Information Technology (IT). It exists in health, science, automative, agriculture, and much more. Other areas might include government, military, banking, telecommunications, and retail. Wherever digital information is present, there is a need for specialists to combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism. After completing this course, you will have the skills to carve out your niche in an ever-evolving landscape.
Career options are varied, allowing you to work anywhere in the world as a:
- business continuity or IT security engineer
- incident response analyst
- information security auditor
- security system manager
- security consultant
- security system developer or programmer
- operations support analyst
- penetration tester
- security operations manager
- infrastructure specialist
- security operations centre (SOC) analyst
- security architect.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.
Professional recognition
The Master 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 specialised and essential knowledge of security needs for design and development of secure systems, processes, concepts, and technologies; to develop software systems, products and solutions that automate business processes at par with benchmarks and industry standards and based on evolving cyber security needs. Develop extended knowledge in the development and use of techniques, systems and approaches for secure communication and the systematic analysis of systems for features related to cyber security. |
| Communication | Communicate in professional and other contexts to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security and to motivate and effect change by drawing upon advances in technology, future trends and industry standards, and by utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences including specialist and non-specialist clients, industry personnel and other stakeholders. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, evaluate, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and justify digital tools selection to influence others. |
| Critical thinking | Questions assumptions and seeks to uncover inconsistencies and ambiguities in information and judgements, critically evaluates their sources and rationales, to inform and justify decision making in the field of cyber security. |
| Problem solving | Apply expert, specialised cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to complex real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Self-management | Apply reflective practice and work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to complex situations and ongoing learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal and professional accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing advanced knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles to cultivate creative thinking, interpersonal adeptness, leadership skills, and handle challenging discussions, while excelling in diverse professional, social, and cultural scenarios. |
| Global Citizenship | Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the field of cyber security, with appreciation for the global context, and openly and respectfully collaborate with diverse communities and cultures. |