Key facts
4 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Secure technology is not only pivotal to business, but to everyday life. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand around the world. Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) is a specialised four-year course equips you with the essential skills to investigate and protect computer systems, networks and programs through exploration of best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges.
You will assess cyber security systems in a working environment, and cover areas such as computer crime and digital forensics while gaining the skills to identify, diagnose and manage risk. You will undertake a professional placement, work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project, focus your studies by undertaking a minor in an area of your choosing, and complete an honours research project in your final year.
Ready to secure the digital future?
The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You'll explore fundamental concepts across computer systems and discrete mathematics in your first year, before diving into more advanced topics in networking and communication, computer and network forensics, security analytics, secure coding and ethical hacking.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours)
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400511621 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400611621 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- S434
- CRICOS code?
- 111443E
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) students must complete 32 credit points comprising:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- thirteen (13) credit points of core units
- three (3) credit points Cyber Security capstone units
- four (4) credit points Cyber Security Research Training capstone units
- and one of:
- three minors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
- two minors (totalling 8 credit points), and four open elective units (4 credit points) OR
- one minor (totalling 4 credit points), and eight open elective units (8 credit points)
- no more than ten (10) credit points at level 1
- minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
- level 7 – minimum 4 credit points of postgraduate units.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
13
Core units
7
Capstone units
12
Major/Minor and Elective units
32
Total
Course Certifications
Students will also have the opportunity to complete industry certifications within the following core units as part of your cyber security degree for no additional cost:
Certifications include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP)
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX)
These industry certifications are recognised globally and prove your competence and proficiency in these highly skilled cyber security areas.
Core
Year 1 -Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Plus one (1) credit point from the following capstone options:
One (1) SIT elective unit
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit (one credit point)
Plus two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:
OR
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two (2) electives or minor units (2 credit points)
Plus two (2) credit points from the following Research Training 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 IT.
~ Note: 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.
^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
* Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
Minor sequences
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
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)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
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.
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology.
S334 Bachelor of Cyber Security
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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
This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement (conditions apply, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil)
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
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 academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
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
Higher education
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)
Vocational education
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
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not 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)
Selection adjustments
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.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.
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
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Further study options
A Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) may also provide you with the opportunity to pursue a research pathway to Higher Degree by Research.
Careers
Career outcomes
Skilled cyber security professionals are highly sought-after across the globe. As a graduate, you will have a highly specialised skill-set that enables you to effectively identify, diagnose and manage cyber security challenges. You may find employment as a security analyst; project manager; security systems developer, programmer or auditor; security consultant; or IT security engineer to name a few.
By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you will also acquire research skills and advanced technical expertise in your chosen topic, as well as the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cyber security. You will also be well positioned to pursue further study including a masters by research or PhD.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes
|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a coherent and advanced knowledge of cyber security, with detailed knowledge of the computer networking, security analytics, secure coding and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice and research. |
| Communication | Communicate in a professional context to inform, motivate, and effect change, and to drive sustainable innovation, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information in cyber security projects and research. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate information and evidence, applying critical and analytical thinking and reasoning, technical skills, personal judgement and values, in decision processes. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop robust cyber security solutions. |
| Self-management | Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in research and 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. |
| Teamwork | Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team, with specific knowledge and skills associated with using professional and research practices associated with the information technology industry. |
| Global citizenship | Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and in designing, deploying, and operating cyber security solutions. |
Approved by Faculty Board 28 July 2022
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