Macquarie University
Master of Information Technology in Cyber Security
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Course Type: Master's
This 100% online course provides up-to-date knowledge and practical training for a successful career in the burgeoning field of cybersecurity, which is facing a global shortage of skilled professionals.

Course overview
Cybersecurity is always in the spotlight, whether it’s a story about data breaches, election hacking or phishing scams that cost people more than they can afford to lose. And with increasing levels of cybercrime, governments and businesses everywhere are competing for experts with the right mix of technical and applied skills to secure their organisation against the growing threat cybercrime poses.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of Information Technology in Cyber Security, you must complete 160 credit points comprise up to three zones: Foundation, core and flexible. Foundation zones provide the knowledge needed if you’re coming from a different disciplinary background. Core zones consist of compulsory units. Flexible zones allow you to choose from a range of electives
Foundation Zone
- Applied Cryptography
- Offensive Security
- Data Communications
- Cyber Security Management in Practice
Core Zone
- Distributed Systems
- Security Technologies and Forensic Analysis
- Information and Data Security
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security
- Cyber Security, Governance Frameworks and Ethics
- Major Project
Flexible Zone
Complete 40 credit points from the following options.
- Big Data Technologies
- Machine Learning
- Mining Unstructured Data
- Advanced Topics in Computer Networks
- Mobile Data Networks
- Industry Based Internship B
- Blockchain for Competitive Advantage
- Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing
- Australia and Cyber Intelligence
- Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
Entry requirements
Two years (full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related area or recognised equivalent
1.5 years (full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in information technology or recognised equivalent.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related area or recognised equivalent, and a minimum of two years relevant approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
One year (full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in cyber security or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in cyber security or recognised equivalent, and a minimum of two years relevant approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
English language requirements
When applying to study at Macquarie University, you’re required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
You may satisfy the English language requirements by:
- Passing an approved English language test at the required level.
- Holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction.
Recognition of Prior Learning
With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge of the principles and concepts of Information Technology and information security.
- Creatively solve complex problems in cyber security and increase cyber resilience.
- Collaborate and communicate with others in a professional setting in a variety of modes, including verbally and in writing.
- Conduct professional work ethically with integrity and appropriate regard to intellectual property implications.
- Apply advanced techniques and tools to increase data security, protect privacy and provide digital access to information.
- Apply critical thinking and use appropriate tools to detect threats in devices, technology, processes and operations.
- Manage day-to-day security operations using tools and procedures covering technology, people and processes.
- Use a range of communication strategies and techniques to effectively convey cyber security risks to a senior, technical and non-technical audiences.
- Independently design and implement research the area of cyber security.
Career outcomes
- Information security consultant
- Penetration tester
- Security analyst
- Security auditor
- Security consultant
- Security governance manager
- Vulnerability assessor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $33,100 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol.
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.