C6002 Master of Cybersecurity

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundation studies, Part B. Core studies, and Part C. Applied studies. 

Part A. Foundation 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 studies

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. Applied studies

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

• a program of coursework involving advanced study and an industry experience studio project.
• 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 option.

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. Foundation studies (24 points), Part B. Core studies (48 points) and Part C. Applied studies (24 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundation studies (24 points)

You must complete the following units:

• 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 studies (48 points)

You must complete the following units (36 credit points):

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

Specified elective studies

You must complete one of the following units (6 credit points) plus one Level 5 elective unit (6 credit points) from the faculty or across the university. You must have the required prerequisites for the unit you choose.

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

Part C. Applied studies (24 points)

You must complete either the industry experience pathway or research pathway:

a. Industry experience pathway:

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

b. Research pathway:

• 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 successfully completed at least 24 credit points of level 5 FIT-coded units; and have an overall average of at least 80% across all Level 5 units; and must have have achieved at least a distinction (75%) in FIT5125 IT research methods; and achieved an overall course WAM of 70%. 
• If you have a WAM between 75-79% across all Level 5 units you must have successfully completed at least 24 credit points of level 5 FIT-coded units; and demonstrated research capability with written support from a prospective supervisor; and must have achieved at least a distinction (75%) in FIT5125 IT research methods; and achieved an overall course WAM of 70%.