Key facts
Duration
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
In today's world, as everything turns digital, cyber threats are becoming an increasingly big problem for companies everywhere. The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is designed to help you tackle these challenges head-on. You will learn how to protect our digital world and be ready to deal with cyber-attacks. This course covers both the technical and organisational aspects of cyber security, preparing you for the growing and dynamic field.
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge cyber security methodologies, get equipped with in-demand skills, and gain hands-on experience. You will build your confidence through the pursuit of one of three professional studies options: a team project, a professional placement, or a research project under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.
Ready to defend against the unseen threats lurking in our digital world?
Cybercrime and cyber terrorism pose substantial risks across organisations and government departments, in the context of technology, law and ethics. Throughout the course, you will access state-of-the-art software and hardware while exploring topics from system security, digital forensics, and analytics through to organisational security, governance, and policy skills. Elevate your understanding through practical learning opportunities designed to mirror real-world scenarios. With a focus on applied learning, you will hone your investigative prowess and develop the critical skills needed to combat cyber threats effectively.
Ideal for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in information technology or similar, the Master of Cyber Security (Professional) is a tailored pathway to cyber security mastery. Embrace a future-ready education that not only equips you with technical skills but also fosters a deep understanding of ethical and legal considerations vital in today's digital age.
Once you graduate, you might step into security roles in business, government, or law enforcement. Whether you aspire to be a security analyst, information security auditor, or security consultant, this course will prepare you for a diverse career. Combined with experience, you will be primed for leadership roles, including chief security officer, as you navigate the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Embrace the challenge of safeguarding our digital frontier and emerge as a cyber security leader equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence and expertise.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S735
- CRICOS code?
- 093940G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Master of Cyber Security (Professional), students must pass16 credit points.
The course is structured in three parts:
- Part A: Mastery cyber security studies (8 credit points)
- Part B: Course electives (4 credit points)
- Part C: Professional studies (4 credit points)
The course comprises a total of 16 credit points, which must include the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (4 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
- 4 credit points of professional studies.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
8
Core units
4
Course elective units
4
Professional Studies units
16
Total
Core
Mandatory unit for all entry levels
Part A: Mastery Cyber Security Studies
Part B: Course electives
Four (4) level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units
Part C: Professional Studies
One (1) level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective (1 credit point)
OR
One (1) level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective (1 credit point)
OR
OR
One (1) level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective (1 credit point)
*Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)
~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SIT764 and SIT782 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT764 and SIT782 consecutively.
^ Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
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:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin Online.
Additional course information
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
You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
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
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a Graduate Certificate of Information Technology 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:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (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)
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.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
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 (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. 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 your course.
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
Estimate your FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP payments
per pay cycle
Take-home pay
after FEE-HELP and tax
per pay cycle
Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments
- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Cyber Security (Professional) (16 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Some of our courses have limited places available - to browse those still open for application, visit courses by trimester.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (S535)
- Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security (S635)
- Master of Cyber Security (S734)
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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
The rapid growth of cybercrime has created unparalleled opportunities for those with cyber security expertise. The number of database & systems administrators and ICT security specialists is predicted to increase by 38.9% by November 2026*.
Cyber security is not just limited to the realm of IT. It exists in health, science, automotive, agriculture, and much more. Other areas might include government, military, banking, telecommunications, and retail. Wherever digital information is present, there is a need for specialists to combat cybercrime and cyber terrorism. After completing this degree, you will have the skills to carve out your niche in an ever-evolving landscape.
Career options are varied, with opportunities to work anywhere in the world as a:
- business continuity or IT security engineer
- information security auditor
- infrastructure specialist
- incident response analyst.
- security analyst
- security consultant
- security system manager
- security consultant
- security system developer or programmer
- security operations manager
- operations support analyst
- penetration tester
- security architect
- security operations centre (SOC) analyst.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.
Professional recognition
The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) 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, evaluate, implement, and manage cyber security solutions for complex systems, organisations, platforms communication channels, and data, based on industry- accepted standards and best practice. Design, develop and implement advanced cyber systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use to withstand emerging attacks/threats in cyber space. Assess the role of cyber security in the context of modern organisations and society to add value. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, evaluate, select and use advanced 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of cyber security and 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing specialist 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. |
Events Explore more events
