Master of Cyber Security
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Gain a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security in just six months, then continue your studies in the Master of Cyber Security. Find out more about government funded short courses.
Overview
Shape what’s next for your career in IT
Information technology is a dynamic industry, with growing demand for key technical skills becoming more prevalent across a variety of sectors. Seize your opportunities for career progression in IT with a qualification from RMIT.
The Master of Cyber Security is designed to provide you with the range of skills required for an increasingly connected world, where security of information is critical.
This degree 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.
Details
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.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional practice.
In this degree, you will complete specific subjects that focus on work-integrated learning (WIL).
You will 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 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 Australia Post, Jemena, ANZ and Victoria Police.
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.
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.
Cyber security continues to offer promising job prospects, particularly if Australian industries — especially within those with 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
- 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 (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
Fees
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.
2021 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,950 to AU$14,500*.
- Full-fee places: AU$27,840*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
Payments and 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 commencing their program in 2021. 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 2021 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2021 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,950 per standard year $493 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 |
$7,950 per standard year |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,500 per standard year |
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP, HECS-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.
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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$72,960.
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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.