Master of Cybersecurity
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Cybersecurity readies you for a career in info tech with the skills to develop and maintain complex ICT systems using cutting-edge methods.
You’ll attain the knowledge to identify, demonstrate, diagnose and fix threats in software information systems. You’ll learn about network security, penetration testing, incident response, security management, reverse engineering and ethical hacking.
Upon graduation, you’ll have the confidence and ability to pursue a career as a systems analyst in fields such as cybersecurity, incident response, auditing and malware.
Duration
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2021 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
01 March 2021
Semester 2 -
02 August 2021
2022 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
28 February 2022
Semester 2 -
01 August 2022
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Cybersecurity is the top level outcome of the Master of Cybersecurity suite which has been designed for students who wish to develop their computer science and cybersecurity knowledge by focusing on identifying, demonstrating, diagnosing and fixing flaws in software systems such as web applications, internet-based services and desktop applications.
This course will build on a student’s STEM qualifications or relevant industry experience by developing security-related skills and knowledge in system security, penetration testing, incident response, security management, reverse engineering and ethical hacking.
The Master of Cybersecurity includes a nested Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Cybersecurity.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Cybersecurity students must complete 14 units of study (200 credit points) as follows:
- 12 core units (175 credit points)
- Two electives (25 credit points)
The Master of Cybersecurity consists of a total of 14 units (200 credit points). Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps.). In a year, eight (8) units normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four (4) units normally constitute a part-time load of 50 credit points.
The volume of learning of the Master of Cybersecurity is typically two (2) years.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Cybersecurity is 100 credit points (normally eight units)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Cybersecurity is 100 credit points (normally eight units)
Research Statement
The AQF level 9 research components are met in the Master of Cybersecurity through the four Project based Units in the course (COS60010 Technology Enquiry Project; COS60011 Technology Design Project; and COS80029 Technology Application Project). Students are introduced to Research Methods and techniques to undertake research in the earlier Project Units (COS60010 and COS60011) and assessed on their ability to attain a critical understanding of research principles and design. This is achieved through an individual research report assignment in each Unit (10%) Later year Project Units (COS70008 and COS80029) require students to apply knowledge from the earlier projects to conduct scholarly research on literature within the Cybersecurity field. These Units consist of a major project work, where students undertake an industry aligned, group R&D project. This project sits aside an individual research report (10%) where students are assessed on their ability to perform research in the area complementary to their project and to report their findings. This research report solidifies research skills attained in earlier projects. The research component to achieve AQF level 9 is embedded throughout this course and satisfies the research requirement of an AQF level 9 – Masters (coursework) course.
The AQF level 9 research components are met in the Master of Cybersecurity through the four Project based Units in the course (COS60010 Technology Enquiry Project; COS60011 Technology Design Project; and COS80029 Technology Application Project). Students are introduced to Research Methods and techniques to undertake research in the earlier Project Units (COS60010 and COS60011) and assessed on their ability to attain a critical understanding of research principles and design. This is achieved through an individual research report assignment in each Unit (10%) Later year Project Units (COS70008 and COS80029) require students to apply knowledge from the earlier projects to conduct scholarly research on literature within the Cybersecurity field. These Units consist of a major project work, where students undertake an industry aligned, group R&D project. This project sits aside an individual research report (10%) where students are assessed on their ability to perform research in the area complementary to their project and to report their findings. This research report solidifies research skills attained in earlier projects. The research component to achieve AQF level 9 is embedded throughout this course and satisfies the research requirement of an AQF level 9 – Masters (coursework) course.
Units of study
Core units - complete all 12 units (175 credit points):
Elective units - complete 1 x 25 credit points unit or 2 x 12.5 credit point units:
ICT80004 Internship Project *** Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
** Unit available with the approval of the course director only.
*** Units are available by application only.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be equipped to seek employment in the following areas:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Systems Manager
- Cryptographer
- Consultant/Advisor
- Cybersecurity Coordinator/ Operations/Project Manager
- Security System Developer
- Security Solution Sales
- Network/Cybersecurity Engineer/Architect
- Security Solutions Sales
Aims and objectives
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to :
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to :
| # | Description |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the concepts and practices within the field of cybersecurity, and to apply this as an effective member of diverse teams in a professional context |
| CLO2 | Identify cybersecurity threats and apply appropriate tools and techniques to classify and mitigate those threats |
| CLO3 | Critically analyse unfamiliar cybersecurity scenarios, evaluate the existing knowledge base, and propose novel solutions |
| CLO4 | Apply relevant knowledge and skills to implement substantial Cybersecurity projects with industry relevance |
| CLO5 | Communicate information proficiently to technical and non-technical audiences, including industry practitioners |
| CLO6 | Reflect on, and take responsibility for their own learning, manage their own time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing personal performance as a means of managing continuing professional development |
| CLO7 | Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to solve complex and diverse cybersecurity problems and scenarios |
Graduate skills
This program produces graduates who are:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Pathways and scholarships
- Recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2021 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2021 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
The admission requirements for Master of Cybersecurity consist of:
- a bachelor degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline, or
- a non-STEM bachelor degree, plus three years industry experience in the web development, cybersecurity, software development or related fields, or
- successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity.