Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Cyber Security

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

This course has been designed to develop your computer science and cybersecurity knowledge by focusing on identifying, demonstrating, diagnosing and fixing flaws in software systems.

Course overview

The Master of Cyber Security is the top-level outcome of the Master of Cyber Security suite, which has been designed for students who wish to develop their computer science and cyber security knowledge by focusing on identifying, demonstrating, diagnosing and fixing flaws in software systems such as web applications, internet-based services and desktop applications.

This course will build on a student’s STEM qualifications or relevant industry experience by developing security-related skills and knowledge in system security, penetration testing, incident response, security management, reverse engineering and ethical hacking.

The Master of Cyber Security 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 $4,636.25
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
2nd March, 2026
3rd August, 2026
Units
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 bachelor degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline.
  • A non-STEM bachelor degree, plus three years industry experience in the web development, Cyber Security, Software Development or related fields.
  • Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

English language requirements

All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:

  • Completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English.
  • Completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies).
  • Completed English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1.
  • Completed an English language (ELICOS) course.
  • 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.