Master of Cyber Security

Master of Cyber Security

POSTGRADUATE

We live in a connected world. Gain the tools necessary to secure an organisation's information systems.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Cyber Security aims to equip you with the mathematical, technical and business tools to secure an organisation’s information systems.

Secure systems and networks are a vital responsibility for organisations of all sizes and in our increasingly connected 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 degree includes opportunities for cyber security internships with industry organisations, both large and small.

Why study the Master of Cyber Security at RMIT?

Real-world scenarios

Use state-of-the-art cyber security software and simulated exercises to gain hands-on experience.

Industry engagement

Connect with industry through internships and work integrated learning experiences.

Holistic approach

Gain a 360-degree view of the field with a focus on ethics and people in addition to your developed technical skills.

Shape what’s next for your career in Information Technology

Shape what’s next for your career in Information Technology

Information Technology is a dynamic industry, with growing demand for key technical skills becoming more prevalent across a variety of sectors. 

Details

Expand all sections

The Master of Cyber Security 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 your subjects will provide you with hands-on experience.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional practice.

In this degree, you'll complete specific subjects that focus on work-integrated learning (WIL).

You'll be assessed on your professional abilities in a real or simulated workplace setting, and receive feedback from industry members.

The subjects you'll study will usually involve work on a real-world problem, where you'ill 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 Australia Post, Jemena, ANZ and Victoria Police.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

This degree consists of 192 credit points.

Throughout your studies, 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.

The curriculum covers many topics, including risk management and cryptosystems, biometrics and ethical hacking. Subjects are aimed at a holistic approach to cyber security and are paired with insights from industry experts.

The two-semester project in second year allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in a cyber security topic of your choice.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Cyber Security
Program code: MC159
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Cyber Security
City Campus
Four semesters full time, Eight semesters part time
MC159P18
055526D
Location
City Campus
Duration
Four semesters full time, Eight semesters part time
Plan code
MC159P18
CRICOS
055526D
View plan
Master of Cyber Security
City Campus
Four semesters full time
MC159P18
055526D
Location
City Campus
Duration
Four semesters full time
Plan code
MC159P18
CRICOS
055526D
View plan

Please note: The MC159 Plan is not available for new commencing students.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Some of the cyber security roles undertaken by RMIT graduates, in both government and private organisations, include:

  • penetration testers
  • cybersecurity risk and compliance analysts
  • IT risk analysts
  • security managers
  • forensic analysts
  • security auditors
  • defence communications and signals intelligence
  • network security engineers.

Cyber security continues to offer promising job prospects, particularly if Australian industries — especially within those at high risk such as banking, defence, health and education — elevate investment. Research by Deloitte shows a greater focus on cyber across the Australian economy could lead to a 5.5% rise in business investment, and an additional 60,000 people employed by 2030.

According to Job Outlook, the most common annual salary for an IT manager in 2021 is between $100,000 and $120,000, and between $130,000 and $150,000 for an IT project manager. 

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

  • 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.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

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.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

  • 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.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course 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 (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • 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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You may be eligible for advanced standing based on your previous studies.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2023 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2023 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Full-fee places

  • AU$30,720 (2023 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are 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.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee 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.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, 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.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$38,400.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$77,760.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information