C6010 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. All students complete Part B and Part C. 

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 teaching period.

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):

• ITI9130 Systems analysis and design
• ITI9132 Introduction to databases
• ITI9136 Algorithms and programming foundations in Python
• ITI9137 Introduction to computer architecture and networks

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

You must complete:

a. six units (36 points):

• ITI5003 Software security
• ITI5037 Network security
• ITI5057 Project management
• ITI5125 IT research methods
• ITI5129 Enterprise IT security - planning, operations and management
• ITI5163 Information and computer security

b. one unit (6 points) from:

• ITI5124 Emerging topics for cybersecurity in practice
• ITI5214 Blockchain
• ITI5223 IT forensics

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:

• ITI5120 Social impact project (12 points)
• ITI5122 Professional practice
• one FIT level 5 unit (6 points)

b. Masters thesis research:*

• ITI5126 Masters thesis part 1
• ITI5127 Masters thesis part 2
• ITI5128 Masters thesis final
• ITI5122 Professional practice

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.

*To be eligible for the research option, you must have successfully completed 24 credit points of level 5 ITI-coded units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75% across four completed ITI-coded level 5 units, and have achieved at least a distinction (70%) in ITI5125 IT research methods. If you are undertaking a single semester project you must have achieved an overall average of at least 80% across four completed ITI coded level 5 units.