Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Cyber Security is designed for students who want to develop advanced knowledge of computer science and cyber security, particularly in identifying, demonstrating, diagnosing and fixing vulnerabilities in software systems, web applications, internet services and desktop applications.

Key benefits include:

• Development of skills in network security, identifying security risks, diagnosing vulnerabilities and preventing security incidents.
• Exposure to areas including penetration testing, incident response, security management, reverse engineering and ethical hacking.
• A substantial technology application project with an industry-driven cyber security challenge.
• Team-based project work involving collaboration with an industry partner.
• Development of skills applicable to technical and management-oriented cyber security roles.
• Professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 14 units worth 200 credit points.

The structure is:

• 12 core units = 175 credit points
• 2 electives = 25 credit points.

Core units include:

• Creating Web Applications – COS60004 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Design Project – COS60011 – 12.5 credit points
• Programming Principles and Practices – COS60018 – 12.5 credit points
• Internet Security – COS80013 – 12.5 credit points
• Advanced Threats in AI and Data Security – CYB70006 – 12.5 credit points
• Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices – ICT60001 – 12.5 credit points
• Network Administration – TNE60002 – 12.5 credit points
• Networks and Switching – TNE60006 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Innovation Research and Project – COS70008 – 25 credit points
• Advanced Software and System Security – CYB80002 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Application Project – COS80029 – 25 credit points
• Offensive Security Engineering – CYB80003 – 12.5 credit points.

Elective options include:

• Introduction to Data Science – COS60008
• Advanced Software Development – COS70006
• Web Application Development – COS80021
• Software Quality and Testing – COS80022
• Data Visualisation – COS80025
• Network Routing Principles – TNE70003
• Secure Networks – TNE80006
• Software Managed Networks – TNE80013.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Cyber Security is a dedicated cyber security master's degree rather than a programme with separately named specialisations.

Key disciplinary areas include:

• Cyber security
• Network security
• Internet security
• Software and system security
• Offensive security
• Penetration testing
• Ethical hacking
• Security risk identification and mitigation
• Incident response
• Security management
• Reverse engineering
• AI and data security
• Secure networks
• Software security and testing.

Programme Highlights

• 2-year postgraduate qualification.
• 200 credit points.
• 14 units.
• Industry-driven cyber security capstone project.
• Practical focus on identifying, diagnosing and mitigating cyber security threats.
• Coverage of offensive security and advanced software/system security.
• Electives allowing additional focus on areas such as data science, software development and secure networks.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• Study at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Security Systems Manager
• Cryptographer
• Cyber Security Consultant/Advisor
• Cyber Security Coordinator
• Cyber Security Operations or Project Manager
• Security System Developer
• Network/Cyber Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Architect
• Security Solutions Sales.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Course code: MA-CYBSEC.
• CRICOS: 098492J.
• Current 2027 intakes are March and August.
• Current application deadlines are 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The course is ACS professionally accredited.
• Some elective units require Course Director approval.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed individually.
• Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student studying this course in Australia is the Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements and conditions include:

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course when the visa is decided.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period, unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate adequate financial capacity where required.
• Comply with all Student visa conditions.

Work rights:

• A normal Student visa holder can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session.
• The special unlimited-work exception applies to students studying a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree; it does not apply to this master's by coursework.
• Students can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session, subject to the applicable visa conditions.