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Master of Cyber Security

Campus North Terrace Campus
Degree Type Masters by Coursework
Duration 2 years full-time
or part-time equiv.
SATAC Code 3CM214
CRICOS 099704E

Defend the digital domain

Governments and organisations all over the world are actively seeking cyber security experts with advanced technical skills and an understanding of the social and legal contexts of the digital world. The need is urgent. It spans all sectors. And your pathway is here.

What will you do?

Our Master of Cyber Security will equip you to lead cutting-edge cyber security programs —for governments, law enforcement agencies, companies and NGOs alike.

The industry-driven content is delivered over 18-24 months full-time. There’s a flexible blend of online and intensive on-campus learning, with mentoring from world-class cyber security researchers.

You will gain:

  • a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of complex cyber security needs and considerations across multiple industries
  • highly advanced technical skills and the ability to apply them in real-world contexts
  • a sophisticated grasp of cyber security policy and governance considerations—social, legal and commercial
  • the ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant data and technology
  • the refined interpersonal skills to effectively communicate issues and strategies to a range of stakeholders.

You’ll also take specialist courses in your chosen major—Cyber Security Management or Secure Software Development. And you’ll apply and expand your learning through a major research project, or industry-based practise.

Where could it take you?

To the discipline’s highest levels. You could develop strategies to secure health providers’ patient data. Or protect social media users’ personal details. Perhaps you’ll prevent cyber theft for global financial institutions. Or ensure undercover police officers’ identities aren’t compromised. Wherever your interests lie, your expertise will be in demand.

This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) – please see the Careers section below for more accreditation and careers information.

  • Entry Requirements

    For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

    For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2021 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely for most programs. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses. Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for a list of programs where in-person attendance is required.

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 3CM214
    Deferment Yes - 2 year
    Intake February and July
    Enquiries Future Students team

    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry

    Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 4.5.
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 3CM214

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    CRICOS 099704E
    Intake February and July
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements
    Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
    IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6
    TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21
    Pearson Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50
    C1 Advanced Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements
    More Information
    Tertiary Qualifications 36 unit extension pathway: 
    1. Bachelor of Computer Science (or an equivalent Information Technology degree with similar levels of programming to a Computer Science degree) and a GPA of 4.5.
    OR
    2. Relevant work experience, including programming experience, of at least 3 years in Computer Science or Cyber Security roles.
    OR
    3. Diploma or above in Networking and IT plus 2 years relevant work experience, including programming experience.

    48 unit conversion pathway: 
    1. Bachelor degree or equivalent and a GPA of 4.5.
    OR
    2. Relevant work experience of at least 3 years in Computer Science or Cyber Security roles.
    OR
    3. Diploma or above in Networking and IT plus 2 years relevant work experience.
    How to Apply

  • Fees and Scholarships

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place: $33,500

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) International student place: $45,000

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

  • Careers

    Career Readiness

    Graduates are well equipped to lead cyber security initiatives across industry as diverse as finance and banking, government, education, healthcare and online retail.

    The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

    Professional Accreditation

    The Master of Cyber Security is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

    Potential careers

    Computer Forensics Specialist, Cyber Intelligence Expert, Encryption Specialist, Computational Scientist, Computer Programmer, Computer Scientist, Cyber Defender, Diagnostic Technician, Digital Strategist, IT Manager, IT Programmer, Information Analyst, Information Officer, Internet - Web Programmer

  • Degree Structure

    The Master of Cyber Security can be studied as either a conversion program (suitable for students with a background in an area other than computer science) or an extension program (suitable for students who have previously completed a Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent).

    The Masters (conversion) program includes:

    • seven (24 units) core courses

    • two (6 units) electives

    • two (6 units) specialisation courses 

    • two (12 units) research project

    Academic Program Rules

    The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

    Areas of Specialisation

    Students, through their elective choices, can pursue a specialisation within their Master of Cyber Security.

    Specialisations are available in the following areas:
    • Cyber Security Management
    • Secure Software Development

    Example Study Plan

    Core Courses
    Core Course, choice of
    Cyber Security Management specialisation courses
    • COMMGMT 7024 Business Information Systems & Management (M)
    • COMMGMT 7026 Policies & Procedures in Organisational Cyber Security (M)
    Secure Software specialisation course
    Secure Software specialisation, choice of:
    Research Pathway 

    OR     (COMP SCI 7405 is to be taken in lieu of a 3 unit elective for Research Pathway)
    • CYBER 7101A Cyber Security Research Project Part A
    • CYBER 7101B Cyber Security Research Project Part B
    • COMP SCI 7405 Research Methods in Software Engineering and Computer Science
    Practice Pathway
    Electives
    Students undertaking Research Pathway have a choice of 1 course (3 elective units)

    Students undertaking Practice Pathway have a choice of 2 courses (6 elective units)

    Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.

    Assessment

    Research project, written assignments, practical work and/or examinations.

  • Further Information

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Friday, 26 Feb 2021