Master of Cyber Security
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$24,960 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July Entry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
The Master of Cyber Security will provide you with the range of skills required for an increasingly connected world, where security of information is critical.
The program aims to equip you with the mathematical, technical and business tools to secure an organisation’s information systems.
Cyber security is a vital responsibility for organisations of all sizes and in today’s networked world it is more important than ever.
From the latest internet worm to identity theft, danger is no more than a click away.
You will learn about local area network (LAN) security, cryptography, the Advanced Encryption Standard, RSA, smartcards, biometrics, ethical hacking and information systems risk management.
This program includes opportunities for cyber security internships with industry organisations, both large and small.
Details
The program is offered through a flexible combination of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory classes.
There are also opportunities for you to participate in team-based projects and to engage in consulting activities.
State-of-the-art cyber security software and work-simulated exercises used in the program will provide you with hands-on experience.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional practice.
In this program, you will complete specific courses that focus on work-integrated learning (WIL).
You will be assessed on your professional abilities in a workplace setting (real or simulated) and receive feedback from industry members.
Courses usually involve work on a real-world problem, where you will provide analysis, create a report and present your findings, receiving valuable feedback from industry partners.
You will also have an internship opportunity and previous students have interned with companies such as AusPost, Jemena, ANZ and Victoria Police.
The program consists of 192 credit points.
You will develop skills to apply a range of mathematical, analytical, algorithmic and computational techniques.
You will model and critically evaluate a range of cyber security systems and processes (hardware, software-based or a hybrid) that operate on a diverse range of media (optical, wireless or wired).
You will use a variety of protocols (EFTPOS, INTERNET, CCITT) in business or personal communications, keeping in mind the importance of ethical values in this service-oriented field.
Courses are aimed at a holistic approach to cyber security and are paired with insights from industry experts.
The curriculum covers many topics, including risk management and cryptosystems, biometrics and ethical hacking.
The two-semester project in second year allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in a cyber security topic of your choice.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC159
Career
Some of the cyber security roles undertaken by RMIT graduates, in both government and private organisations, include:
- penetration testers
- IT risk analysts
- security managers
- forensic analysts
- security auditors
- network security engineers
Admissions
- An Australian bachelor degree in computing, or IT, or software, or electrical, or electronics, or communications, or mathematics, or physics with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent
- An Australian bachelor degree in a scientific/engineering/technical field with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent, with evidence of at least three years’ current, relevant work experience in the field of IT/ information security.
- An Australian bachelor degree in computing, or IT, or software, or electrical, or electronics, or communications, or mathematics, or physics with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent
OR
- An Australian bachelor degree in a scientific/engineering/technical field with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent, with evidence of at least three years’ current, relevant work experience in the field of IT/ information security.
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Exemptions Some applicants might be eligible for exemptions that might change the duration of their program. Please refer to the Articulation and Pathways section for more detail.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
2019 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$24,960*
* Amount quoted is the indicative 2019 tuition fee per annum, and is based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Fees shown above apply to 2019 only and are based on an annual full-time study load of 96 credit points unless otherwise noted. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Tuition fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$33,600.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$68,160.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.