Deakin University
Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain the skills to protect our digital world and be ready to deal with cyber-attacks.
Course overview
In today's world, as everything turns digital, cyber threats are becoming an increasingly big problem for companies everywhere. The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is designed to help you tackle these challenges head-on. You will learn how to protect our digital world and be ready to deal with cyberattacks. This course covers both the technical and organisational aspects of cyber security, preparing you for the growing and dynamic field.
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge cyber security methodologies, get equipped with in-demand skills and gain hands-on experience. You will build your confidence through the pursuit of one of three professional studies options: a team project, a professional placement, or a research project under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.
Cybercrime and cyber terrorism pose substantial risks across organisations and government departments, in the context of technology, law and ethics. Throughout the course, you will access state-of-the-art software and hardware while exploring topics from system security, digital forensics and analytics through to organisational security, governance and policy skills. Elevate your understanding through practical learning opportunities designed to mirror real-world scenarios. With a focus on applied learning, you will hone your investigative prowess and develop the critical skills needed to combat cyber threats effectively.
Ideal for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in information technology or similar, the Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is a tailored pathway to cyber security mastery. Embrace a future-ready education that not only equips you with technical skills but also fosters a deep understanding of ethical and legal considerations vital in today's digital age.
Once you graduate, you might step into security roles in business, government, or law enforcement. Whether you aspire to be a security analyst, information security auditor, or security consultant, this course will prepare you for a diverse career. Combined with experience, you will be primed for leadership roles, including chief security officer, as you navigate the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Embrace the challenge of safeguarding our digital frontier and emerge as a cyber security leader equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence and expertise.
This course focuses on developing skills in programming and software development, information security, penetration testing, threat intelligence and vulnerability assessment.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of Cyber Security (Professional), students must pass 16 credit points.
The course is structured in four parts:
- Part A: Fundamental cyber security studies (four credit points)
- Part B: Mastery cyber security studies (four credit points)
- Part C: Course electives (four credit points)
- Part D: Professional studies (four credit points)
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (zero credit points)
- Identity, Access Management and Physical Security
- Analytics for Security and Privacy
- Cyber Security Management
- Computer Networks and Security
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 or higher 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.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree 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).
*Related to the broad field of Information Technology.
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).
Recognition of Prior Learning
Deakin 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.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Visit their website or contact the university for more information.
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.
- Develop, evaluate, implement and manage cyber security solutions for complex systems, organisations, platforms communication channels and data, based on industry-accepted standards and best practice.
- Design, develop and implement advanced cyber systems and software and associated policies and procedures for optimal use to withstand emerging attacks/threats in cyber space.
- Assess the role of cyber security in the context of modern organisations and society to add value.
- 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.
- Identify, evaluate, select and use advanced 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of cyber security and 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.
- 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.
- Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing specialist 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.
- 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.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $34,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.