Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2023 close 29 October 2023
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2024 close 18 February 2024
Timely VTAC entry closes 28 September 2023 at 5pm. View other VTAC datesCurrent Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security is the only degree of its kind in Australia. Today cyber security is a significant challenge for individuals and businesses alike. This course will equip you with an understanding of the major drivers of criminal behaviour, along with the industry-relevant skills to tackle what is quickly becoming a critical threat to society. You will gain expertise in securing data and data communications, as well as investigating and providing solutions to cyber crime.
Develop strong practical and theoretical knowledge, with an emphasis on assessing cyber security in a working environment, developing security solutions for businesses, and understanding the ethical and legal implications of risk management.
You’ll have access to specialised cyber security labs with state-of-the-art tools, putting you at the cutting edge of cyber security and criminology research.
Are you ready to join the fight against cyber crime?
Designed in conjunction with leading organisations in the field, including Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission, this combined course will equip you with in-demand industry skills valued by employers.
The unique partnership of criminology and cyber security provides you with a thorough understanding of the motivations, causes and consequences of crime, as well as the technical skills and cyber security literacy to help prevent and combat cyber crime and cyber terrorism.
Get practical learning with our careers-focused units, which allow you to bridge theory with practice and better understand how criminological thinking applies across industries and sectors.
You will have access to our brand-new specialised capstone project and co-working space, which offers you an inspiring environment to collaborate with your teammates on your capstone project. As part of your cyber security stream, you will undertake two capstone units, allowing you to develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods – widely used across industry.
Our past students have collaborated on capstone projects such as:
- Is my smart home secure enough?
- Virtual penetration testing lab
- One-time pad (OTP) VPN
- Voice-activated password security
- Secure Australian online voting system.
Need more flexibility in your studies? Take advantage of our flexible learning options and find the right balance for you. You can choose to study part-time or full-time, on campus or 100% online. You can also take advantage of Deakin’s trimester system and fast-track your degree and complete your combined degree in a shorter time frame.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310031 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510031 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610031 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D380
- CRICOS code?
- 091788E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security students must complete 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security, which must include the following:
- Course requirements for both Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor of Cyber Security must be satisfied.
- No more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Criminology students are not require to complete an additional minor as part of the Bachelor of Cyber Security.
- Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Bachelor of Criminology studies
Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology, including:
- 6 credit points of Criminology core units (ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302)
- At least 6 credit points of Criminology electives (ACR coded units) taken at level 2 or above
- Up to 4 credit points of electives chosen from Arts course grouped units.
- At least 6 credit points of arts units at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302
- Academic Integrity Module DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
*Students are encouraged to consider taking electives from the Professional Experience and Practice Minor sequence APE101 (no longer available for enrolment), AWL100, APE201, APE202 and AWL300.
Bachelor of Cyber Security studies
Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security, including:
- 13 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of Cyber Security Capstone units
- Safety Induction Program SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit) and
- Career Tools for Employability STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
Criminology core units
Criminology core units
Cyber Security core units
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
Cyber Security capstone
OR
Plus:
- 1 credit point elective unit
^ Students are recommended to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.
* Students who have not completed Maths methods in VCE are encouraged to complete SIT190 as an elective. This means they must complete the SIT344 capstone option
Course Certifications
Students will have the opportunity to complete Industry certifications within the following core units as part of your cyber security degree for no additional cost:
- SIT182 Real World Practices for Cyber Security
- SIT282 Computer Crime and Digital Forensics
- SIT218 Secure Coding
- SIT379 Ethical Hacking
Certifications include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP) (from 2022)
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) (from 2022)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX)
Additional course information
Student equipment purchases
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
Elective units
ACR211 Crime Prevention and Security [No longer available for enrolment]
ACR212 Crime, Surveillance and Technology [No longer available for enrolment]
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology or telephone 03 9244 6699.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Higher education study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
VET study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Work and life experience
Academic requirements
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven't undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in any English, any History, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, any Mathematics, Philosophy, Australian Politics, Global Politics, Psychology or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Students applying with prior study or recognition for prior learning will need to contact the student support office to review their enrolment plans.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fees - CSP: 2024 fees are currently unavailable due to a delay in the student contribution rates set by the Australian Government.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Promising career opportunities await in the areas of both criminology and cyber security. As a graduate, you may find employment in areas such as government agencies, state and federal police, security and intelligence agencies, research and policy development, correctional services, community services, and private security and consultative industries. You will also be equipped for more technical roles such as security analyst, security systems manager, security system developer/programmer, anti-virus software developer or computer forensic specialist.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security part of this double-degree is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.
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