Key facts
3 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
Cyber security threats are a rapidly growing global challenge for individuals and businesses alike. 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 equips you with the essential skills to investigate and combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism. You will graduate with the expertise to tackle one of the fastest growing criminal threats to modern-day society.
Gain practical and theoretical knowledge with an emphasis on assessing cyber security in a working environment, and the business, ethical and legal implications of risk management. You will cover areas such as computer crime and digital forensics and gain the skills to identify, diagnose and manage the challenges of cyber security. As a graduate, you will be well prepared for an exciting career in one of the most in-demand global industries.
Are you ready to join the fight against cyber crime?
Rise to the challenge of cyber crime with a world class degree from a university ranked in the top 1% globally for computer science and information systems.*
This course equips you with the skills demanded by a diverse range of industry and government sectors, covering areas such as:
- computer crime and digital forensics
- evaluating software for security vulnerabilities
- designing secure databases
- securing operating systems
- assessing and reinforcing the security of websites
- integrating security requirements into new developments
- designing secure network architectures
- performing risk assessments and responding to cyber security incidents.
With access to our specialised capstone project and co-working space, you will collaborate with your teammates on your capstone project, develop solutions to real-world problems from industry and learn agile project management methods, which are widely used across the 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
This course also includes a core IT work placement unit, where you will undertake a minimum of 100 hours of professional work experience with an approved host organisation. You may also have the opportunity to access one of 50 guaranteed employment placements with banks, including partnerships with NAB, ANZ and Dimension Data. You will work on industry projects and gain experience in entrepreneurship and business skills.
This experience ensures you will be well-prepared to apply your learning in the workplace and deal with imminent threats and challenges emerging in the digital space.
*2022 SHanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Cyber Security
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314203 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514203 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- S334
- CRICOS code?
- 091336M 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 complete the Bachelor of Cyber Security, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:
- 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 of Cyber Security capstone units
- four (4) credit points from a minor sequence
- four (4) credit points of open elective units
- six (6) credit points at level 3.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
13
Core units
3
Capstone units
8
Minor/Elective units
24
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 open elective unit (one credit point)
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus one open elective unit (one credit point)
Plus one minor unit (one credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Plus one open 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 open elective unit (one credit point)
Plus two (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 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.
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. 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)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- 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
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.
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is also available as the following combined courses
- D380 Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security
- D397 Bachelor of Laws/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
Senior certificate of education
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.
Polytechnic 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 Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 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.
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.
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry and help secure our digital future. Australian Government employment projections predict a 38.9% growth for Database and Systems administrators and ICT Security specialists for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026*. Take advantage of this huge demand for cyber security specialists with the Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin.
As a graduate you may find employment in one of the following roles:
- cyber security analyst
- network security analyst
- cyber threat analyst
- incident responder
- operations coordinator
- penetration tester
- cyber security advisor
- vulnerability researcher
- cyber security consultant
- information security auditor
- IT security engineer
- digital forensics analyst
- project manager
- cyber security system developer or programmer
- cyber security system manager.
*Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Cyber Security 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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes
|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | Communicate in an IT context to inform, motivate and effect change 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. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate specialist IT information using critical and analytical thinking, technical skills and well-developed judgement to identify problems, analyse user requirements and propose solutions. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative IT solutions. |
| Self-management | Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of IT with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Apply understanding of reflective practice and self-critique skills within broad parameters to plan for their own future continuing professional development. |
| Teamwork | Apply the principles of effective teamwork as a member of diverse IT teams to demonstrate responsibility for own learning within broad parameters. |
| Global citizenship | Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability for own learning to the development, design, construction and management of localised IT solutions. |
Approved by Faculty Board 2 June 2022