Course overview

Secure technology is not only pivotal to business, but to living everyday life. As a result, cyber security professionals are in high demand around the world. Deakin’s Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) is a specialised four-year course equips you with the essential skills to investigate and protect computer systems, networks and programs through exploration of best practice in the identification, diagnosis, analysis and management of cyber security challenges.

You will assess cyber security systems in a working environment, and cover areas such as computer crime and digital forensics while gaining the skills to identify, diagnose and manage risk. You will undertake a professional placement, work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project, focus your studies by undertaking a minor in an area of your choosing, and complete an honours research project in your final year.

Ready to secure the digital future?

The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You'll explore fundamental concepts across computer systems and discrete mathematics in your first year, before diving into more advanced topics in networking and communication, computer and network forensics, security analytics, secure coding and ethical hacking.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) students must complete 32 credit points comprising:

• Thirteen (13) credit points of core units
• A three (3) credit point Cyber Security capstone
• A four (4) credit point Cyber Security Research Training capstone
• And one of:
  • Three minors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
  • Two minors (totalling 8 credit points), and four open elective units (4 credit points) OR
  • One minor (totalling 4 credit points), and eight open elective units (8 credit points)
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
• levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels
• level 7 – minimum 4 credit points of postgraduate units

Additional course information

Student Equipment Purchases

The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology's website.

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Work experience

This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement 

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Entry pathways

Further study options

A Bachelor of Cyber Security (Honours) may also provide you with the opportunity to  pursue a research pathway to Higher Degree by Research.

Careers

Career outcomes

Skilled cyber security professionals are highly sought-after across the globe. As a graduate, you will have a highly specialised skill-set that enables you to effectively identify, diagnose and manage cyber security challenges. You may find employment as a security analyst; project manager; security systems developer, programmer or auditor; security consultant; or IT security engineer to name a few.

By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you’ll also acquire research skills and advanced technical expertise in your chosen topic, as well as the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cyber security. You will also be well positioned to pursue further study including a masters by research or PhD.