#1 Victorian university for teaching quality
ACS accredited ICT degree
#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Why choose cyber security at Deakin
In a continuously evolving digital world, cyberattacks are an everyday occurrence. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand globally to protect organisations in all sectors from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security equips you with the specialised skills to investigate and combat cybercrime, preparing you for a successful career in cyber security anywhere in the world. Progressive research drives our curriculum with 120+ researchers and 30+ industry partners at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Hub.
Throughout the course you will focus on a range of expanding areas, gaining sought-after knowledge about system security and digital forensics, analytics, organisational security and human aspects of cyber security. This vital expertise will prepare you to counter the number one criminal threat to modern-day society and with knowledge on cyber security governance, regulation and compliance.
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Industry-aligned cyber skills
Build expertise in securing systems, networks and data using tools and practices aligned with current industry needs.
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Hands-on security problem solving
Apply your learning through practical tasks that simulate real cyber threats and response scenarios.
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Flexible study options
Tailor your degree with electives to align cyber security skills with your career goals.
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Research-led learning environment
Learn from over 120 Deakin experts contributing to cyber security research, governance, regulation and compliance.
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
Develop advanced cyber security expertise to help organisations protect systems, networks and data from evolving threats. Graduate with practical experience solving security challenges across industries including government, finance, health and telecommunications.
Cyber security analyst
Help organisations protect their systems, networks and data from cyber threats. Monitor security, investigate incidents, identify vulnerabilities and implement measures that strengthen an organisation's cyber resilience.
- 39%
Projected job growth over five years
- $110k
Typical salary in Australia
Security consultant
Advise organisations on cyber security strategies, assess risks and recommend solutions that strengthen digital resilience. Work with stakeholders to improve security practices and protect critical information assets.
- $183k
Typical salary in Australia
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Security architect
- Security operations manager
- IT security engineer
- Cyber security manager
- Threat intelligence analyst
“Deakin was one of the first universities offering an Australian Computer Society accredited cyber security degree. That gave me confidence that the qualification would be recognised and valued by the industry.”
DerbyMaster of Cyber Security
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
Entry into Deakin's Master of Cyber Security depends on your prior study, professional experience and any course-specific requirements. Deakin assesses applications against the published entry criteria and can consider credit for prior learning where your previous learning is relevant.
Yes. Deakin's Master of Cyber Security can be completed in one year (8 credit points) if you hold a bachelor honours in a cyber security-related discipline, a bachelor in a related field plus at least two years of relevant work experience, or a graduate certificate or diploma in a related area. A 1.5-year (12 credit point) pathway is also available.
No, prior programming experience is not always required to study cyber security. While some areas of cyber security involve coding, scripting and technical problem-solving, courses are typically designed to build your knowledge progressively. You'll develop skills in areas such as network security, risk management, digital forensics and cyber threat analysis, with technical concepts introduced as part of your studies. The level of programming required will depend on the course and your chosen area of specialisation.
A Master of Cyber Security can prepare you for a range of roles focused on protecting organisations, systems and data from cyber threats. Graduates may pursue careers in cyber security analysis, information security, risk and compliance, digital forensics, security consulting, incident response and cyber governance. With cyber security skills in demand across government, finance, healthcare, technology and other industries, the degree can help you build a career addressing complex security challenges in an increasingly digital world.
A Master of Cyber Security can be challenging because it combines technical, analytical and strategic concepts. The level of difficulty will depend on your previous study and experience, particularly in areas such as IT, networking or security. Deakin's Master of Cyber Security is designed to build your knowledge progressively across areas including secure systems, cyber analytics, governance and risk management, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to address real cyber security challenges.
*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 Master of Cyber Security?
The Master of Cyber Security is often completed in two years full-time or part-time equivalent. You will build technical and strategic expertise in protecting digital systems, with opportunities to apply your skills in authentic contexts.
Foundations of cyber security
Develop core security knowledge
Learn how systems, networks and data are protected and understand the risks and vulnerabilities organisations face.
Build technical problem-solving skills
Apply tools and techniques to identify threats and respond to common cyber security challenges.
Explore cyber security domains
Gain exposure to different areas of security practice to guide your focus in later study.
Advanced practice and application
Advance security and risk capability
Strengthen your ability to assess risks, design secure systems and respond to evolving cyber threats. This will also include cyber security governance, regulation and compliance.
Undertake applied project work
Complete a substantial project that demonstrates your ability to apply cyber security knowledge in practice.
Strengthen career readiness
Graduate with practical experience and a portfolio that reflects industry-relevant cyber security skills.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Cyber Security, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
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 four core units within Part A (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which are compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
You are required to complete three core units and one course elective unit within Part D.
Plus 1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded course elective unit (1 credit point).
Professional recognition
The Master 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.
In order to meet ACS requirements for professional membership, students must satisfy the completion requirements for the whole degree. In addition, ACS guidelines require that the following specific units are completed at Deakin or equivalent units undertaken within another ACS-accredited program: SIT703, SIT704, SIT716, SIT735, SIT753, SIT764, SIT782, SIT723, SIT792, SIT791, SIT709.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. 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.
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.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
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 specialised and essential knowledge of security needs for design and development of secure systems, processes, concepts, and technologies; to develop software systems, products and solutions that automate business processes at par with benchmarks and industry standards and based on evolving cyber security needs. Develop extended knowledge in the development and use of techniques, systems and approaches for secure communication and the systematic analysis of systems for features related to cyber security. |
| 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 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. |
| 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 advanced 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. |
- Award granted
- Master of Cyber Security
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S734
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$9,860
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
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.
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.
Students intending to gain professional membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) on the basis of their study of this program must complete the following units at Deakin University, or equivalent units undertaken within another ACS-accredited program: SIT703, SIT704, SIT716, SIT735, SIT753, SIT764, SIT782, SIT723, SIT792, SIT791, SIT709.
Pathways
Pathways for students to enter the Master of Cyber Security are as follows:
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578), followed by a 12 credit point Master of Cyber Security
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) and Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535), followed by an 8 credit point Master of Cyber Security
Pathway options will depend on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535)
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578)
- Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635)