#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
ACS accredited ICT degree
Deakin sets the standard for employability
Why choose cyber security at Deakin
Cyber security threats are a rapidly growing global challenge for individuals and businesses. As a result, cyber security is one of the fastest-growing employment fields worldwide. When you study Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security, your learning is informed by leading research from 120+ researchers and 30+ industry partners at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Hub.
Build practical and theoretical knowledge with an emphasis on assessing cyber security in working environments, as well as the business, ethical and legal implications of risk management. Study computer crime and digital forensics, and gain the skills to identify, diagnose and manage cyber security challenge, especially in the AI-era. Technology is transforming everything, and as a student at the #1 Victorian university for computing and information systems graduate employment, you will graduate ready to drive that change!
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Unbeatable employability
Build in-demand skills to protect systems, networks and data in a field with one of the fastest-growing employment rates.
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Work-integrated learning
Apply your cyber security knowledge through practical experiences that address real industry challenges.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a curriculum informed by industry that reflects current cyber threats and defence strategies.
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Hands-on cyber security skills
Develop practical capability in secure systems, digital investigation and cyber defence technologies.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Protect the systems, networks and data that keep our world running. This degree prepares you for careers tackling complex digital threats across nearly every modern sector, including finance, healthcare, government and education.
Cyber security analyst
Help protect organisations from cyber threats by monitoring networks, investigating security incidents and identifying vulnerabilities to strengthen the security of systems, data and digital infrastructure.
- $110k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 14%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Penetration tester
Simulate real-world cyber attacks to uncover security weaknesses before they can be exploited. Test networks, systems and applications, then recommend practical solutions to improve an organisation's cyber defences.
- $120k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 14%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Other jobs
- Incident responder
- Digital forensics analyst
- Information security auditor
- IT security engineer
- Cyber security architect
- Project manager
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Cyber Security?
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is a three-year degree. You will build strong computing foundations, develop specialist cyber defence capabilities and apply your knowledge in practical contexts that reflect modern security challenges.
Build the foundations of cyber security
Develop programming and systems skills
Learn how software and operating systems function while building the coding capability needed to analyse and secure digital environments.
Understand cyber security fundamentals
Explore the principles of protecting networks, systems and data from threats, attacks and vulnerabilities.
Build analytical problem-solving skills
Apply logical thinking and technical reasoning to identify risks and design effective security responses.
Advance your cyber security expertise
Strengthen security architecture knowledge
Examine how secure systems and networks are designed, implemented and maintained.
Investigate cyber threats and attacks
Analyse how breaches occur and how security professionals detect and respond to incidents.
Apply learning in practical scenarios
Work on projects that simulate real-world cyber security challenges and investigative tasks.
Apply your cyber security expertise in an industry environment
Develop advanced cyber defence and ethical hacking capability
Engage with complex security problems and learn ethical hacking, penetration testing techniques, and strategies used to protect modern digital infrastructure.
Apply knowledge in authentic contexts
Participate in capstone or professional practice experiences that reflect real security environments and industry-standard cyber security practices.
Strengthen professional cyber skills
Refine communication, teamwork and ethical awareness required for responsible cyber security practice and ethical hacking.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security, you must pass 24 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete 13 core units plus three credit points of capstone units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 -Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:
OR
^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3.
+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology.
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit).
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
You must complete one of these minor sequences:
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Choose four open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting the unit prerequisites).
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is recognised for specialist cybersecurity accreditation. This course is also recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is also available as the following combined courses
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
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.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline including its dynamic environment, with detailed knowledge of project management principles and in depth knowledge in IT Security. Design, develop and implement IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT. Acquire in-depth knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage security solutions for systems, networks, and data according to industry-accepted standards and best practice. |
| Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions. |
| Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of cyber security. |
| Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
| Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions. |
| Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Cyber Security
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400314201 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514201 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614201 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- S334
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Cyber Security to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.