Accelerated options available2 years full-time.Accelerated options available
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 43,740 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program handbook
Description
Our Master of Cyber Security program, tailored to the evolving digital landscape, offers two distinct specialisations. For those with a prior technical or computing background, the Cyber Security Engineer Specialisation delves into the advanced technical intricacies of data and network security, ensuring a robust understanding of the tools and techniques essential for safeguarding digital infrastructures. Alternatively, if you do not have a technical foundation you can opt for the Cyber Security Analyst Specialisation, which emphasises the human dimensions of cyber security, cyber crime, and the broader implications of security breaches. Both pathways provide insights into key industry standards, option to obtain relevant certifications, and enable a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of cyber security, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address society’s unique cyber challenges.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the cyber security needs of an organisation to develop a suitable security architecture.
- Measure the performance of, and troubleshoot, ICT security systems.
- Discuss the effects of human factors on security breaches.
- Design operational and strategic cyber security strategies and policies.
- Effectively use cyber security, information assurance, and cyber/computer forensics software/tools.
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 24, 2024 3:49 pm |
|---|---|
| Program code | 40180 |
| AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) |
| Locations and UAC codes | |
| Mode of delivery |
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| Duration |
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| Term type | Semesters |
| Fees |
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 0100135 |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
The Master of Cyber Security is a 160-unit postgraduate qualification, where students must complete one of two specialisations.
- Cyber Security Analyst Specialisation (2 years): Bachelor’s Degree (AQF 7 level) or higher in any discipline OR equivalent professional experience.
- Cyber Security Engineering Specialisation (2 years): Bachelor Degree (AQF 7 level) or higher in a related discipline* OR equivalent professional experience.
- Applicants who have completed the UON Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security are eligible for admission to the Master of Cyber Security and will receive 40 units of credit towards the program.
- Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree (AQF 7 level) or higher in a related discipline* may apply for up to 80 units of RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) towards the program.
- Applicants with relevant professional experience may be considered for up to 40 units of RPL towards the program.
- Applicants may receive a combined maximum of 80 units of RPL via previous qualifications or professional experience.
- Applicants who would like their professional qualifications and/or work experience to be considered need to provide certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming their role, duties, and period of employment.
*Related fields: cyber security, computer science, software engineering, computer systems, and information technology.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
160 units
Program duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
The program requirements and the volume of learning are dependent on the student’s prior academic qualifications.
To complete the Master of Cyber Security:
The M Cyber Security is comprised of 160 units, in which students complete one of two specialisations.
- Cyber Security Analyst Specialisation: 80 units of core courses, 30 units of compulsory courses, 30 units of directed courses, and 20 units of elective courses.
- Cyber Security Engineer Specialisation: 80 units of core courses, 30 units of compulsory courses, 30 units of directed courses, and 20 units of elective courses.
Please note: Postgraduate coursework students are normally required to complete all courses at the postgraduate level (6000). To meet the Directed course requirements in the Master of Cyber Security, students in the 160 unit pathway are permitted to undertake a maximum of 20 units at the 4000 level. All Elective courses however must be completed at the postgraduate level (6000).
Please note: The above structure of courses reflects the full length of the program. Students who have been admitted to the program with advanced standing for recognised prior learning must contact the Program Convenor for details of their program structure. Each student will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
- 2024 Transition Arrangements 881.5 KB
Transition arrangements
2023 Program Revision
All students who have completed ENGG6500 can continue to count these courses towards their program requirements.
Students who have not completed ENGG6500 will need to complete INFT6800 to meet the remaining program requirements.
As programs are regularly reviewed and updated, some students may experience changes to their program of study during the course of their enrolment, which may require transition arrangements.
Students affected by changes to their program are advised to review any documentation contained in the "Additional documents" section, in the first instance. Any further questions should be directed to the Academic Program Advisor (Programadvice@newcastle.edu.au).
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| COMP6600 | Cyber Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance |
| 10 units |
| COMP6900 | Computing Project |
| 20 units |
| INFT6031 | Systems and Network Administration |
| 10 units |
| INFT6160 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals |
| 10 units |
| INFT6360 | Cloud Computing |
| 10 units |
| INFT6800 | Professional Practice in IT |
| 10 units |
| PSYC6060 | Applications of Human Factors Psychology |
| 10 units |
Specialisations
Complete one of these Specialisations
Cyber Security Analyst
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory courses to fulfil the requirements of this specialisation. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CRIM6050 | Cybercrime and Security I | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| CRIM6051 | Cybercrime and Security II | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6087 | Internet Law |
| 10 units |
Cyber Security Engineer
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory courses to fulfil the requirements of this specialisation. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| COMP6360 | Data Security |
| 10 units |
| COMP6500 | Security Attacks: Analysis and Mitigation Strategies |
| 10 units |
| SENG6250 | System and Network Security |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses
Choose 30 units from the following directed courses. Please note: you can complete a maximum of 20 units at the 4000 level. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| SENG4430 | Software Quality |
| 10 units |
| SENG4500 | Network and Distributed Computing |
| 10 units |
| COMP6240 | Operating Systems |
| 10 units |
| COMP6360 | Data Security |
| 10 units |
| COMP6500 | Security Attacks: Analysis and Mitigation Strategies |
| 10 units |
| CRIM6050 | Cybercrime and Security I | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| CRIM6051 | Cybercrime and Security II | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| GSBS6001 | Managing Under Uncertainty |
| 10 units |
| GSBS6004 | Organisational Behaviour and Design |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6087 | Internet Law |
| 10 units |
| SENG6250 | System and Network Security |
| 10 units |
| SENG6320 | Software Verification and Validation |
| 10 units |
Electives
| Electives 20 unit requirement | |
|---|---|
Complete 20 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all postgraduate courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them. | 20 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
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