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Deakin University

Master of Cyber Security

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Build your capacity to investigate, mitigate and combat cybercrime for a rewarding and highly sought-after career as a cybersecurity professional.

Course overview

In an increasingly digital world, cyberattacks are an everyday occurrence. As a result, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand globally to protect organisations in all sectors from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security equips you with the specialised skills to investigate and combat cybercrime, preparing you for a successful career in cyber security anywhere in the world.

Throughout the Master of Cyber Security, you will learn how to detect, analyse and confront cybersecurity challenges. You will focus on various studies and learn about system security and digital forensics, analytics, organisational security and human aspects of cyber security. This vital experience prepares you to counter modern-day society's number one criminal threat.

Deakin’s Master of Cyber Security gives you the skills to effectively and strategically respond to cybersecurity challenges from a technical and organisational perspective. You will gain a solid understanding of cybersecurity concepts, industry practices and the techniques and tools available to prevent and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

This course focuses on developing programming and software development skills, information security, penetration testing, threat intelligence and vulnerability assessment.

You will graduate ready for various security roles within business, government and law enforcement. Examples include risk analyst, information security specialist, DevSecOps developer, security operations analyst, cyber security consultant, security systems manager, penetration tester, information security auditor or security manager. Combined with experience, you could take on roles such as chief security officer.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time.
24 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,300
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a study load of eight credit points.
Campus
Warurn Ponds
Intake
March, 2026
July, 2026
November, 2026
Units
16
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To complete the Master of Cyber Security, you will complete eight, 12 or 16 credit points, depending on your prior experience.

The course is structured in four parts:

  • Part A: Foundation information technology studies ( four  credit points)
  • Part B: Fundamental cyber security studies (f our  credit points)
  • Part C: Mastery cyber security studies ( four  credit points)
  • PART D: Cyber security capstone studies ( four  credit points). 

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit towards Parts A and B.

Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (zero credit points)
  • Object-Oriented Development
  • Database Fundamentals
  • Software Requirements Analysis and Modelling
  • Web Technologies and Development
Part B: Fundamental cyber security studies
Part C: Mastery cyber security studies
PART D: Cyber security capstone studies

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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with Recognition for Prior Learning credit and complete your course sooner.

Academic requirements

Master of Cyber Security - eight credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with eight credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning applied~) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related^ discipline
  • Completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related^ discipline
  • Completion of a bachelor degree in a related* discipline and at least two years' of relevant^ work experience (or part-time equivalent).

Master of Cyber Security - 12 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of Recognition of Prior Learning applied~) 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).

Master of Cyber Security - 16 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline.

* Related to the broad field of Information Technology.

^ Related to the field of Cyber Security which may be considered to include network and information security, network engineering, digital forensics and access management.

~ Admission credit will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

English language proficiency requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning

Deakin University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning. 

You can 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.

Visit their website or contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

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.

  • Develop specialised and essential knowledge of security needs for design and development of secure systems, processes, concepts and technologies; to develop software systems, products and solutions that automate business processes at par with benchmarks and industry standards and based on evolving cyber security needs.
  • Develop extended knowledge in the development and use of techniques, systems and approaches for secure communication and the systematic analysis of systems for features related to cyber security.
  • 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.
  • Identify, evaluate, select and use 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing advanced 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.
  • Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the field of cyber security, with appreciation for the global context and openly and respectfully collaborate with diverse communities and cultures.
Career outcomes

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $34,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.