#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
Deakin sets the standard for employability
Australian Computer Society Accredited ICT degree
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 (Honours), your learning is informed by leading research from 120+ researchers and 30+ industry partners at the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Hub.
The honours degree is a specialised four-year course that equips you with the essential skills to investigate and protect computer systems, networks and programs. You will explore best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges. 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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Proven employability in cyber security
Graduate with advanced cyber security knowledge and honours research experience in a field with one of the fastest-growing employment rates worldwide.
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Specialised cyber security expertise
Develop knowledge in areas such as secure systems, threat analysis and digital investigation.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a curriculum informed by industry and focused on current cyber threats and defence strategies.
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Advanced honours research experience
Complete a substantial research project and strengthen analytical and investigative capabilities.
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
Take your cyber security expertise further through advanced research in your chosen topic. This honours degree prepares you for specialised cyber security careers and provides a pathway to a masters by research or PhD.
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
- Security operations analyst
- Project manager
- Security systems developer
- Cyber security specialist
- Security consultant
- Security engineer
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*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 (Honours)?
The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) is a four-year degree. You will develop strong computing and cyber defence foundations, increase your technical expertise and complete an honours research project that advances your specialist knowledge.
The foundations of cyber security
Develop programming and systems skills
Learn how software and operating systems function while building the coding skills needed to analyse and secure digital environments.
Understand cyber security fundamentals
Explore how organisations protect networks, systems and information from vulnerabilities and malicious attacks.
Build analytical problem-solving skills
Apply logical reasoning and technical thinking to identify risks and design effective security responses.
Advance your cyber security knowledge
Strengthen secure system design knowledge
Examine how organisations design and maintain secure networks, systems and digital environments.
Analyse cyber threats and incidents
Study how attacks occur and how professionals investigate, detect and respond to breaches.
Apply learning in practical scenarios
Work on projects that simulate real cyber security challenges and investigative tasks.
Apply and strengthen your cyber security expertise
Advance cyber security expertise
Engage with complex defence strategies used to protect organisations from sophisticated cyber threats.
Apply skills in authentic contexts
Participate in capstone or professional practice experiences that reflect real security environments.
Strengthen professional cyber capabilities
Develop communication, teamwork and ethical awareness required for responsible security practice.
Demonstrate advanced cyber security expertise through research
Undertake a major research project
Investigate a focused cyber security problem under academic supervision while producing a thorough thesis.
Deepen analytical and investigative expertise
Plan, conduct and evaluate research using rigorous methods and critical analysis.
Graduate with honours distinction
Demonstrate advanced cyber security knowledge and research capability valued by industry and postgraduate study programs.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours), you must pass 32 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, three credit points of capstone units plus 4 credit points of research training 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
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus, 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
^ 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.
Choose open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting the unit prerequisites).
You are required to complete 12 credit points which can be made up of either:
- three minor sequences (12 credit points)
- two minor sequences (eight credit points) and four credit points of open elective units
- one minor (4 credit points) and eight credit points of open elective units.
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) 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.
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 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 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. |
| Communicate in a professional context incorporating research-driven perspective 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. |
| Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources for research and practice. |
| Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with research and practice in cyber security. |
| Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate innovative solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| 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. |
| Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security practice and research 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 research and practice in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400311623 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400511623 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- S434
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 111443E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.