Bachelor of Cyber Security
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Be prepared to fight online crime and protect networks from cyber-attacks with a Bachelor of Cyber Security. As the rate of cybercrime increases, so does the demand for qualified cyber security professionals who can mitigate online threats.
Learn the fundamentals of cyber security, including encryption systems, access control and how network architecture and the internet is used to defend online information. Get into the minds of malicious hackers and cyber-criminals to understand their motivations so you can learn their tricks and how to defeat them.
The need for security in our digital world is growing as safe networks become more essential across a range of industries – from defence to media, health, business and more. Get hands-on learning and build in-demand skills for a well-paid and rewarding career.
Our Work Integrated Learning program bolsters your CV with real industry experience such as placements, internships and industry-linked projects. In this course, you’ll undertake six projects – one per semester – and each will build on the last.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to apply for cybersecurity roles such as security consultant, information security analyst, network or systems administrator, and cybersecurity penetration tester.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 27 February 2023
- Semester 2 - 31 July 2023
Duration
3 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400212651 (CSP)
- 3400212653 (IFP)
CRICOS code
109148H
Fees
A$38160 (annual for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course details
- Course structure and career opportunities.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Cyber Security requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Web Development | COS10005 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Programming | COS10009 | 12.5 |
| Technology in an Indigenous Context Project | COS10025 | 12.5 |
| ICT Inquiry Project | ICT10022 | 12.5 |
| Network Administration | TNE10005 | 12.5 |
| Networks and Switching | TNE10006 | 12.5 |
| ICT Project A * | ICT30017 | 12.5 |
| ICT Project B * | ICT30018 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Learn the fundamentals of encryption systems, access control, the internet and get into the minds of malicious hackers and cyber-criminals. Learn their tricks and how to defeat them.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Malware Analysis | COS20030 | 12.5 |
| ICT Design Project | ICT20025 | 12.5 |
| Network Routing Principles | TNE20002 | 12.5 |
| IT Security * | COS30015 | 12.5 |
| ICT Innovation Project * | ICT30016 | 12.5 |
| Cyber Security Ethics, Law and Policy * | LAW30030 | 12.5 |
| Network Security and Resilience * | TNE30009 | 12.5 |
| Secure Remote Access Networks | TNE30012 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
8 units (100 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Information and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20014 | 25 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Information and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to :
1. Identify the need for cyber security and ICT solutions, elicit information from the relevant stakeholders about the requirements for the solution and research and plan solutions according to the requirements identified
2. Assess and analyse the appropriateness of methodologies and technologies for the design and implementation of cyber security and ICT solutions.
3. Identify, investigate, and appraise cyber security situations by applying appropriate methodologies, practices, technologies, ethical and legal issues, utilising generic and specialised software tools used by cyber security professionals.
4. Communicate effectively using written and oral communication skills in a professional context, adapt personal interaction style to a given audience, work efficiently in a team, guide and direct other team members, identify the pertinent legal and ethical issues and be familiar with the generic and specialised software tools used by cyber security professionals
5. Apply knowledge of the technologies that make up secure infrastructure to exploit and defend against idealised and real-life cyber security threats
6. Plan and implement a cyber security strategy considering the requirements of the organisation and consult with stakeholders
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course will have developed extensive skills associated to the cyber security of systems, networks, and programs. Via a combination of technical units and those with embedded industry-relevant projects, graduates will have demonstrated contemporary technical abilities, teamwork, oral and written communication skills. Examples of specific careers include cyber analysts, penetration testers, security consultants, and information security officers.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, English language requirements and pathways.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.