C6002 Master of Cybersecurity

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced security studies, Part B. Core master's study, and Part C. Advanced practice. 
Part A. Foundations for advanced networks and security studies

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of cybersecurity at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of IT security theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of cybersecurity, blockchain and IT project management principles. Your study will focus on your choice of units within cybersecurity.

Part C. Advanced practice

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:

• a research pathway including a thesis. If you wish to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research you should take this first option.
• a program of coursework involving advanced study and an industry experience studio project.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 credit points, comprising Part B and Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete the higher credit-point option.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced security studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced practice (24 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced security studies (24 points)

You must complete

a. four units (24 points):

• FIT9132 Introduction to databases
• FIT9136 Introduction to Python programming
• FIT9137 Introduction to computer architecture and networks
• FIT9138 Information systems analysis, design and systems thinking

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

You must complete:

a. six units (36 points):

• FIT5003 Software security
• FIT5037 Network security
• FIT5057 Project management
• FIT5125 IT research methods
• FIT5129 Cyber operations
• FIT5163 Introduction to cryptography for cybersecurity

b. one unit (6 points) from:

• FIT5124 Emerging topics for cybersecurity in practice
• FIT5223 IT forensics
• FIT5225 Cloud computing and security

c. one level 5 elective unit (6 points). You must have the required prerequisites for the unit you choose. Note: Some units may have restrictions on enrolments.

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Industry experience:

• FIT5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
• FIT5122 Professional practice
• one FIT level 5 unit (6 points)

b. Masters thesis research:*

• FIT5126 Masters thesis part 1
• FIT5127 Masters thesis part 2
• FIT5128 Masters thesis final
• FIT5122 Professional practice

Note 1: Enrolment in the research units is dependent on available supervisors and projects. Eligible students will be ranked based on their entire academic record and assessed for suitability to undertake the research component of this program.

Note 2: To be eligible for the research option, you must have an overall average WAM of at least 65% and must have successfully completed 24 credit points of level 5 FIT-coded units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75% across four completed FIT-coded level 5 units, and have achieved at least a distinction (70%) in FIT5125 IT research methods.