Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Cyber Security

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop advanced skills to identify, analyse and respond to cyber security threats across software, systems and networks.

Course overview

The Master of Cyber Security develops advanced computer science and cyber security knowledge, with a focus on identifying, diagnosing and addressing vulnerabilities in software systems, web applications, internet-based services and desktop applications.

Students develop capabilities across system security, penetration testing, incident response, security management, reverse engineering and ethical hacking. The course also includes industry-focused project work, allowing students to apply cyber security knowledge to practical challenges in professional settings.

Students complete 14 units totalling 200 credit points, comprising 12 core units worth 175 credit points and two electives worth 25 credit points. Most units are worth 12.5 credit points, while two project units are worth 25 credit points.

The course is delivered at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus and normally takes two years full time or equivalent part time. It is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.

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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,636
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.

From $1,192 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.
Campus
Hawthorn
Intake
3rd August, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
14
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

To qualify for the award of Master of Cybersecurity students must complete 14 units of study (200 credit points) as follows:

  • Twelve core units (175 credit points)
  • Two electives (25 credit points)

Each unit is valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Core units
  • Creating Web Applications
  • Technology Design Project
  • Programming Principles and Practices
  • Internet Security
  • Advanced Threats in AI and Data Security
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices
  • Network Administration
  • Networks and Switching
  • Technology Innovation Research and Project (25 credit points)
  • Advanced Software and System Security
  • Technology Application Project (25 credit points)
  • Offensive Security Engineering
Elective units

Entry requirements

The admission requirements for Master of Cyber Security consist of one of the following:

  • A completed bachelor's degree (or higher award) in any discipline.
  • A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent (Computer Science-related, such as Information Technology, Software Engineering or Data Science).
  • Successful completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program at Swinburne.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place.

 See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
  • Swinburne English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced) with an overall result of 70%, with all skills 65% or above.
  • Or equivalent measures.
  • Lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only).

These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Apply a broad and coherent understanding of the concepts and practices within the field of cybersecurity as an effective member of diverse teams in a professional context.
  • Identify cybersecurity threats and apply appropriate tools and techniques to classify and mitigate those threats.
  • Critically analyse unfamiliar cybersecurity scenarios, evaluate the existing knowledge base and propose novel solutions.
  • Apply relevant knowledge and skills to implement substantial industry-relevant cybersecurity projects.
  • Communicate information proficiently to technical and non-technical audiences, including industry practitioners.
  • Reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and manage their time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing personal performance to manage continuing professional development.
  • Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to solve complex and diverse cybersecurity problems and scenarios.

Career outcomes

Graduates will be equipped to seek employment in the following areas:

  • Cyber security analyst
  • Security systems manager
  • Cryptographer
  • Consultant/advisor
  • Cyber security coordinator/ operations/ project manager
  • Security system developer
  • Network/ cyber security engineer/ architect
  • Security solutions sales

Fees and CSP

Estimated yearly fees in 2026:

  • $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
  • $37,090 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated total fees in 2026:

  • $19,074 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
  • $74,180 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Student fees 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.