Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Cyber Security is designed for students who want to develop technical and practical skills for protecting computer systems, networks, data and digital infrastructure.

Key benefits include:

• Learn fundamentals of cyber security, including encryption systems, access control, network architecture and internet security.
• Develop cyber security testing and strategy skills.
• Build practical networking and security knowledge.
• Study programming and web development alongside cyber security.
• Complete six projects across the three-year course, with one project in each semester.
• Gain experience through Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning programme, including industry-linked projects, placements and internships.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.
• Study areas relevant to industries including defence, media, healthcare and business.
• The degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree is structured as:

• 8 core units
• 8 cyber security major units
• 8 elective units

The following is Swinburne's published indicative 2026 study sequence; the university notes that unit availability and sequencing may change.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Web Development – COS10005 – 12.5 credit points
• ICT Inquiry Project – ICT10022 – 12.5 credit points
• Network Administration – TNE10005 – 12.5 credit points
• Networks and Switching – TNE10006 – 12.5 credit points

Semester 2:

• Introduction to Programming – COS10009 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025 – 12.5 credit points
• Network Routing Principles – TNE20002 – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points

Year 2 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• User Experience Design Project – ICT20025 – 12.5 credit points
• Network Security and Resilience – TNE30009 – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points

Semester 2:

• IT Security – COS30015 – 12.5 credit points
• ICT Innovation Project – ICT30016 – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points

Year 3 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• ICT Project A – ICT30017 – 12.5 credit points
• Secure Remote Access Networks – TNE30012 – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points

Semester 2:

• ICT Project B – ICT30018 – 12.5 credit points
• Malware Analysis – COS20030 – 12.5 credit points
• Cyber Security Ethics, Law and Policy – LAW30030 – 12.5 credit points
• Elective – 12.5 credit points.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme is specifically focused on Cyber Security rather than offering named specialisations within the bachelor degree.

Core areas include:

• Cyber security
• Computer networks
• Network administration
• Network routing
• Network security and resilience
• IT security
• Secure remote access
• Malware analysis
• Programming
• Web development
• Cyber security law, ethics and policy
• ICT projects
• User experience
• Technology innovation

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• 3-year bachelor's degree.
• 300 credit points.
• 8 core units, 8 major units and 8 electives.
• Six projects across the degree, one per semester.
• Work Integrated Learning opportunities.
• Practical cyber security and networking experience.
• Malware analysis.
• Network security and resilience.
• Secure remote access networks.
• Cyber security ethics, law and policy.
• Professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Potential pathways from Swinburne's Diploma of Information Technology programmes.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists potential career opportunities including:

• Security consultant
• Network administrator
• Systems administrator
• Information security analyst
• Cyber security penetration tester.

The broader skills developed can also support roles involving:

• Cyber security testing
• Cyber security strategy
• Network security
• Security operations
• Malware analysis
• IT security
• Secure network infrastructure
• Cyber security governance and policy.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current course has:

• Course code: BA-CYB
• CRICOS code: 109148H
• Current published 2027 intakes: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current campus: Hawthorn.
• Current published international tuition estimate: A$44,510 per year for 2026.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• Mandatory practical/project-based learning components.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this bachelor degree in Australia will generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), subject to their individual circumstances.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible registered course.
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating financial capacity where required.
• Maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Complying with Student visa conditions.
• Studying full-time and on campus where required by the course/visa arrangements.