University of New South Wales
Master of Cyber Security
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Build advanced cyber security capability through hands-on labs, simulated attack environments and a specialised pathway in security engineering or security management and leadership, supported by an applied capstone project.
Course overview
Protecting digital infrastructure requires both technical expertise and the ability to translate cyber risk into effective organisational action. The Master of Cyber Security at UNSW is designed for professionals seeking advanced capability in cyber defence, secure systems or security leadership.
You will explore the technical, ethical and strategic dimensions of cyber security, including data protection, security engineering, cyber operations, risk, governance and emerging threats. Practical activities use simulated environments and industry-relevant tools to develop experience in analysing vulnerabilities, responding to attacks and strengthening organisational resilience.
Two specialisations allow you to align your studies with your goals. Security Engineering focuses on areas such as penetration testing, cloud security, digital forensics and secure operating systems, while Security Management and Leadership develops capability in cyber governance, risk, law and organisational decision-making. Each pathway culminates in a dedicated capstone project that brings together learning in an applied context.
Delivered entirely online over approximately two years of part-time study, the degree may support progression towards technical, analytical, consulting or cyber security management roles, depending on your chosen pathway and professional experience.
"It's not always an easy journey, but it's definitely worth it! If you're looking for flexibility, remote learning, and a high-quality, structured education, UNSW Online is a great choice-something you won't always get from online certifications or bootcamps. As someone who transitioned from a different field, this course was a game-changer in helping me break into cyber security."
William Xiao, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"What truly made the experience stand out was the exceptional support from UNSW, which eased the more stressful aspects and allowed me to focus on learning. I highly recommend UNSW to anyone considering a future in cybersecurity."
Ryan Moroney, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"My newfound cyber security skills have helped me interact with our cyber security team with confidence and given me the insight to call out vulnerabilities and help mitigate them. It has also helped improve the credibility of the advice I provide to my employer, helping me achieve much more."
John Ware, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"The program isn't just theoretical it provides practical knowledge that can immediately enhance your performance on the job. For anyone looking to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field like cyber security, this course provides both the flexibility to study while working and the depth of knowledge needed to advance your career."
Muhammad Sherwani, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
Key facts
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
3rd May, 2027
28th June, 2027
23rd August, 2027
18th October, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Cyber Security (Online), you must successfully complete units totalling 72 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 6 credit points.
- Data Security and Privacy
- Cyber Security Ethics
- Principles of Security Engineering
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Security Management and Leadership entry requirements
- Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
- Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65
*ZZENDS Security Management & Leadership cognate disciplines may include Science, Engineering, Business, Leadership, and Policy.
Security Engineering entry requirements
- Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
- Have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65
*ZZENES Security Engineering cognate disciplines may include science, engineering and other degrees with substantial computing, mathematics and/or statistics courses.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses.
- Prior study in the medium of English.
- Other qualifications.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning may be available based on relevant postgraduate study completed within the past 10 years. Applicants seeking RPL will need to provide academic transcripts and work history for assessment as part of their application. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
A Master of Cyber Security from UNSW will expand your career opportunities, you may pursue roles such as:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Computer Forensics Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Technician
- IT Risk Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Project Manager.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $62,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- 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 program.