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Professional Recognition

Course code L33

Master of Cyber Security

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Creative thinkers made here.

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About this Course

This Masters by Coursework degree is designed to meet the demand for cyber security professionals within government, law enforcement and industry.

The course engages with, and provides a pathway for, information technology professionals seeking to commence or further progress their careers in the cyber security domain. It is also relevant to those seeking to enter the IT profession who have no previous experience in the cyber discipline.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code L33

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $29,800

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study Also available in an Accelerated online mode.

About this Course

This Masters by Coursework degree is designed to meet the demand for cyber security professionals within government, law enforcement and industry.

The course engages with, and provides a pathway for, information technology professionals seeking to commence or further progress their careers in the cyber security domain. It is also relevant to those seeking to enter the IT profession who have no previous experience in the cyber discipline.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code L33

CRICOS code 083335A

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,600

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study Also available in an Accelerated online mode.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:

    1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points

    Admission is based on:

    Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
    Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
    Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (or equivalent), or
    Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

    *Related discipline refers to any cyber security/ICT-related discipline
    ^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.

    Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree; or
    • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:

    1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points

    Admission is based on:

    Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
    Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
    Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (or equivalent), or
    Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

    *Related discipline refers to any cyber security/ICT-related discipline
    ^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.

    Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree; or
    • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup

This course is also offered in an Accelerated online mode.

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6199Cyber Security20
CSI6201Networking Technologies20
CSI6203Scripting Languages20
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6202Network Security20
CSI6204Ethical Hacking and Defence20
CSI6205Digital Forensics20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MAT6206Data Analysis and Visualisation20
CSI6219Principles of Project Management20
CSI6130Cyber Security Management20

Year 2 - Semester 2

Students are required to enrol in either CSI6224 Applied Project or CSI6850 Professional Placement (Computing and Security) (if approved) in their final semester of study, having completed all other course requirements.

Students enrolled in the Work Integrated Learning program complete the following unit

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6850 ^Professional Placement (Computing and Security)60
Students NOT enrolled in the Work Integrated Learning program complete the following unit
CSI6224 ^Applied Project60

^ Core Option

L33|8

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the cyber discipline.

    Attendance requirements

    Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance or non-disclosure agreements.

    There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of cyber security focused knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
  2. Apply advanced technical strategies to investigate and synthesise complex concepts within authentic cyber security tasks and assessments.
  3. Apply communication skills to demonstrate innovative methods, solutions and contributions in addressing cyber security focused issues.
  4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a complex cyber security research paper or professional project.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

This course is also offered in an Accelerated online mode.

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6199Cyber Security20
CSI6201Networking Technologies20
CSI6203Scripting Languages20
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6202Network Security20
CSI6204Ethical Hacking and Defence20
CSI6205Digital Forensics20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MAT6206Data Analysis and Visualisation20
CSI6219Principles of Project Management20
CSI6130Cyber Security Management20

Year 2 - Semester 2

Students are required to enrol in either CSI6224 Applied Project or CSI6850 Professional Placement (Computing and Security) (if approved) in their final semester of study, having completed all other course requirements.

Students enrolled in the Work Integrated Learning program complete the following unit

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSI6850 ^Professional Placement (Computing and Security)60
Students NOT enrolled in the Work Integrated Learning program complete the following unit
CSI6224 ^Applied Project60

^ Core Option

L33|8

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the cyber discipline.

    Attendance requirements

    Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance or non-disclosure agreements.

    There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of cyber security focused knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
  2. Apply advanced technical strategies to investigate and synthesise complex concepts within authentic cyber security tasks and assessments.
  3. Apply communication skills to demonstrate innovative methods, solutions and contributions in addressing cyber security focused issues.
  4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a complex cyber security research paper or professional project.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $29,800 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course prepares students for careers in the field of cyber security, including areas such as network security, computer forensics, network forensics, security assessment, information warfare and cyber security management. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as cyber security professionals including roles as designers, architects, analysts or security system engineers.

Possible future job titles

Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Officer, Technical IT Security Officer, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensic Practitioner (Acquisition and Analysis), Information Security Auditor, Information Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Software Auditor, Systems Administrator (Security), Information Security Officer, Penetration Tester, Computer Forensics Investigator, Computer Forensic examiner, Computer Forensic Analyst, Network Security Investigator

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $41,600 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

This course prepares students for careers in the field of cyber security, including areas such as network security, computer forensics, network forensics, security assessment, information warfare and cyber security management. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as cyber security professionals including roles as designers, architects, analysts or security system engineers.

Possible future job titles

Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Officer, Technical IT Security Officer, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensic Practitioner (Acquisition and Analysis), Information Security Auditor, Information Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Software Auditor, Systems Administrator (Security), Information Security Officer, Penetration Tester, Computer Forensics Investigator, Computer Forensic examiner, Computer Forensic Analyst, Network Security Investigator

Similar courses to consider

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • ECU is one of the leading cyber security research groups in the world.

  • Cyber security and digital forensics lecturer Dr Patryk Szewczyk says personal information should not be stored on devices you're disposing of.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • ECU is one of the leading cyber security research groups in the world.

  • Cyber security and digital forensics lecturer Dr Patryk Szewczyk says personal information should not be stored on devices you're disposing of.

Student stories

  • Andra Cimpean

    Andra Cimpean

    ECU Master of Cyber Security student

    Being part of such a diverse community makes it magical

    The environment and vibe at ECU encourages you to put in more effort. I strongly recommend living on campus in the ECU village. Being surrounded by students from all over the world and being part of such a diverse community makes it magical. I'm halfway through my degree, but I can already say that ECU has offered me the resources and circumstances to succeed.

  • Nabila Farah

    Nabila Farah

    ECU Master of Cyber Security graduate

    Coming from Bangladesh to study and then landing a job I have always dreamed of has been my happiest achievement.

    ECU gave me immense opportunities to broaden my interest in security and to build my career. I completed a 12-week work placement at CyberCX, a reputable cybersecurity company during my last semester, and this was very helpful for me to step into the industry. I currently work as a Cyber Security Consultant at KPMG Australia and my role here is something that I am very passionate about.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Master of Cyber Security?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.