Master of Cyber Security
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.
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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
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 InformationTertiary 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
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Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a: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.
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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
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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:
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seven (24 units) core courses
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two (6 units) electives
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two (6 units) specialisation courses
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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
- COMMGMT 7023 Business Data & Cyber Security (M)
- COMMGMT 7025 Information Risks, Threats & Controls (M)
- COMP SCI 7308 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- POLIS 7024 Political Institutions and Policy-Making
- COMP SCI 7081 Computer Systems
- COMP SCI 7202 Foundations of Computer Science
Core Course, choice of - COMP SCI 7039 Computer Networks & Applications or;
- COMP SCI 7064 Operating Systems
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 - COMP SCI 7307 Secure Programming
Secure Software specialisation, choice of: - COMP SCI 7092 Mobile and Wireless Systems or;
- COMP SCI 7412 Secure Software Engineering or;
- COMP SCI 7413 Introduction to Quantum Computing
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 - CYBER 7102A Cyber Security Industry Project Part A
- CYBER 7102B Cyber Security Industry Project Part B
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)
- COMMGMT 7024 Business Information Systems & Management (M)
- COMMGMT 7026 Policies & Procedures in Organisational Cyber Security (M)
- COMP SCI 7092 Mobile and Wireless Systems
- COMP SCI 7094 Distributed Databases & Data Mining
- COMP SCI 7039 Computer Networks & Applications
- COMP SCI 7412 Secure Software Engineering
- COMP SCI 7413 Introduction to Quantum Computing
- CYBER 7000 Cyber Security Special Studies
- ELEC ENG 7080 Principles of Communication Systems
- ELEC ENG 7081 Telecommunications Systems
- ELEC ENG 7083 Telecommunications Principles & Systems
- ELEC ENG 7051 Microelectronic Systems
- MATHS 7026 Cryptography PG
- MATHS 7103 Probability & Statistics
Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.Assessment
Research project, written assignments, practical work and/or examinations. -
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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