Why Study / Key Benefits

• Gain practical foundations in artificial intelligence, data literacy and digital systems.
• Apply AI to cybersecurity, including threat detection, security automation and AI-enhanced ethical hacking tools.
• Study emerging areas including machine learning, AI language models, generative AI, prompt engineering and AI-driven security.
• Develop knowledge of ethical and responsible AI use, including AI ethics and copyright.
• Work on industry-immersed projects designed around practical AI and digital technology applications.
• Develop skills in AI model development and deployment.
• The course has been co-developed with global industry partners, with Amazon Web Services currently identified by Swinburne as an industry partner. Relevant examinations and certifications may be attempted through partners where applicable.
• The qualification can provide a pathway into further undergraduate study, including Swinburne's Bachelor of Cyber Security.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of:

• 8 core AI units
• 8 Cyber Security and Cloud Computing major units

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Cyber Security and Cloud Computing

The broader Associate Degree of Applied Artificial Intelligence currently has two specialisation options:

1. Cyber Security and Cloud Computing
2. Generative AI in Gaming VFX

Programme Highlights

• 2-year Associate Degree
• 200 credit points
• Hawthorn campus
• AI-focused curriculum
• Cyber Security and Cloud Computing specialisation
• Machine learning
• AI language models
• Generative AI
• Prompt engineering
• AI-enabled threat detection
• AI-enhanced cybersecurity
• Behavioural biometrics
• Blockchain AI cybersecurity
• Industry-immersed projects
• Ethical and responsible AI education
• Industry collaboration including Amazon Web Services.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne currently identifies the following career opportunities for the Cyber Security and Cloud Computing major:

• Machine learning engineer
• AI security analyst
• AI product manager
• AI security solutions manager.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: AB-AAI.
• Current CRICOS code: 119239M.
• Current duration: 2 years full-time.
• Current campus: Hawthorn.
• Current published 2027 start: 1 March 2027.
• Current application deadline: 24 February 2027.
• Current English admission requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no individual band below 6.0.
• The course does not list a separate mathematics prerequisite on the current programme page.
• The qualification can provide a pathway towards further study, including the Bachelor of Cyber Security and Bachelor of Games and Interactivity.
• The course has industry collaboration with Amazon Web Services.
• The current course handbook describes the qualification as 200 credit points and gives a maximum academic-credit allowance of 100 credit points. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this CRICOS-registered course in Australia would generally apply for the Australian Student visa (subclass 500), subject to their individual circumstances.

Core visa requirements

The Department of Home Affairs currently requires Student visa applicants to, among other things:

• be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course
• provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
• meet applicable health requirements
• meet applicable character requirements
• meet financial-capacity requirements where applicable.