Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- 113710H
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Secure your future in the burgeoning and dynamic field of cybersecurity with UNE’s Master of Cybersecurity and Computing. If you’re interested in data, asset and network protection, solving complex data challenges and playing a role in protecting critical infrastructure in public and private sector organisations, this degree will ensure you are job ready.
If you have an undergraduate degree but no IT or computer science background, our Master of Cybersecurity and Computing is perfect for developing the key knowledge and skills to enter an exciting career in one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide.
Future fit your career and play a vital role in helping create a safe and secure digital future.
Why study the Master of Cybersecurity and Computing with UNE?
The Australian Government has invested heavily over 10 years in Australia’s national intelligence and cyber capabilities, creating significant opportunities in the cybersecurity industry. Digital assets will only become larger and more complex, so becoming an expert in cybersecurity will ensure you’re future fit and ready for the evolving world of data and asset protection.
At UNE, our specialist cybersecurity courses prepare you to work in this in-demand and highly skilled field. If you have an interest in working in cybersecurity but don’t have an IT or computer science background, our Master in Cybersecurity and Computing will help you develop the skills to step into a fascinating new career.
With UNE, you can set your path to becoming a professional in the essential and growing field of cyber attack identification and prevention.
By choosing UNE, you will be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.
What makes our course different?
UNE’s Master of Cybersecurity and Computing will ensure you graduate ready to work within Australia or internationally in the one of the highest growing employment sectors worldwide.
- Gain immediately applicable knowledge and skills to identify, manage and respond to privacy and data risks
- Sharpen your understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities of cybersecurity specialists in a professional environment
- Study a wide range of topic areas including information privacy, network security, cloud security, cryptology and more
- Delve into the highly growing areas of intrusion detection and ethical hacking
- Develop your problem-solving skills to design effective computing and cybersecurity solutions
- Hone your communication skills and your ability to present complex concepts and solutions
- Expand your research skills by choosing to undertake academic research or gain practical experience by working on an industry project
- Choose between studying on campus or online, full time or part time, allowing you to balance your studies with your other commitments. Complete your master’s in as little as two years when studying full time, or up to six years part time.
- Exit with the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing if you choose not to complete the full master’s course at a stage where you fulfil the requirements of the graduate course.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study)
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study)
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, no additional Advanced Standing is avaliable.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- COSC593 Computing Science/IT Thesis
- COSC596 Cybersecurity Project
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study)
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, no additional Advanced Standing is avaliable.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:
- COSC593 Computing Science/IT Thesis
- COSC596 Cybersecurity Project
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points with no more than 24 credit points at 100-level and at least 60 credit points at 400/500-level.
96 credit points
96 credit points
Complete the following components:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment (COSC110) – 6 credit points
- Discrete Mathematics (AMTH140) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Database Management Systems (COSC210) – 6 credit points
- Operating Systems (COSC240) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Object Oriented Programming (COSC120) – 6 credit points
- Data Structures and Algorithms (COSC230) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Privacy (COSC130) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete either the Research Thesis or Industry Project:24 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Computing Science/IT Thesis (COSC593) – 24 credit points
24 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Cybersecurity Project (COSC596) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
- Artificial Intelligence (COSC550) – 6 credit points
- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Number Theory (PMTH338) – 6 credit points
96 credit points
48 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule B shall be granted 48 credit points of Block advanced standing48 credit points
Complete the following components:18 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete either the Research Thesis or Industry Project:24 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Computing Science/IT Thesis (COSC593) – 24 credit points
24 credit points
12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Cybersecurity Project (COSC596) – 12 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
- Artificial Intelligence (COSC550) – 6 credit points
- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Number Theory (PMTH338) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $28,896* |
| International | $33,829* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,928* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
With heavy investment in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors, ensure you are equipped with the right IT and computing skills and knowledge to secure your role in this evolving and fascinating field. Depending on your chosen topics of study, with a Master of Cybersecurity and Computing from UNE you can apply for roles such as:
- Cyber or Information Security Officer
- Personal Data Protection Officer
- Cybersecurity Systems Architect
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Security Analyst
- Information Security Engineer
- Security Specialist
- Security Risk Manager.
Demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is growing exponentially, with the Australian Government investing heavily in the sector — an additional 7000 jobs are expected by 2024. According to seek.com.au, graduates can expect annual salaries between $95,000 and $115,000 for an information security analyst position. Job prospects internationally are also strong, with almost half of Australian cybersecurity businesses exporting globally.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental computing theories and technologies, including discrete mathematics and programming principles.
- demonstrate integrated and cohesive advanced understanding of a complex body of knowledge in cybersecurity and related computing theories and technologies, and to pursue lifelong learning via acquiring and analysing information from various sources, knowledge synthesis and reflection;
- critically analyse a problem and apply acquired knowledge to synthetise complex information and design an effective computing and cybersecurity solution;
- communicate effectively in both oral and written form with technical and non-technical audiences to share ideas, obtain information and work effectively with others;
- demonstrate advanced understanding of the legal, ethical and cultural context, and social and economic implications of cybersecurity threats and solutions, and exercise expert judgement and responsibility;
- work effectively as an individual, or as a part of a team/team leader; and
- apply acquired knowledge, self-directed learning and management skills to conduct an industry or a research project.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an in-depth cohesive knowledge and advanced understanding of cybersecurity theoretical foundations, and a wide range of state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies. They will be able to apply their knowledge in professional practice, and industrial or academic research projects in an international setting, with an awareness of differences in cultural, legislative and regulatory cybersecurity and privacy frameworks.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have advanced communication skills that will allow them to share complex knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions with different audiences in a variety of forms, including written reports, oral presentations and interpersonal communication.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will draw on their advanced knowledge of cybersecurity theories and technologies, and their ability to research and apply established theories to analyse complex problems to synthesise effective solutions.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will have advanced skills to independently gather and critically evaluate information from various sources, including research publications and technical documentation, and understand and engage with various cybersecurity concepts and theories.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will exercise responsibility and expert judgement within the legal and ethical frameworks of their professional environment, and with an awareness of the social implications of their actions and decisions.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the necessary skills to embrace lifelong learning in order to keep up with fast-paced changes in cybersecurity technologies.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have the knowledge, skills and adaptability to both exercise autonomy in their professional practice and independent learning, and to operate effectively as a part of a team.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I found the lecturers and tutors very approachable and supportive, which was extremely valuable during projects and assignments.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
