MC159 - Master of Cyber Security
Plan: MC159P25 - Master of Cyber Security
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Master of Cyber Security
Award abbreviation: MCyberSecu
Total credit points: 192
Career: PGRD
Duration: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
Location: AUSCY City Campus
Owning school: Computing Technologies (175H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/computing-technologies
ASCED code: 029901
CRICOS code: 116688K
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
The MC159P25 Master of Cyber Security program aims to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled cyber security professionals in the areas of: security by design, secure software systems, privacy technologies, cyber risk and compliance, ethical hacking, and threat analysis and incident response. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of cyber security disciplines, the program equips you with the specialised knowledge and skills required to tackle the evolving threat landscape. The program ensures industry relevance by incorporating current best practices, emerging technologies, and real-world case studies. It prepares you to enter the workforce with the necessary skills and competencies to address cyber security challenges effectively. The inclusion of industry experience components allows you to apply your knowledge in practical settings, enhancing your job-readiness and employability.
The MC159P25 Master of Cyber Security program prepares you to undertake careers such as Cyber Security Advisor and Assessor, Cyber Threat Analyst, Incident Responder. Intrusion Analyst, Malware Analyst, Penetration Tester Vulnerability Assessor, and Vulnerability Researcher.
You will be introduced to computer security, encryption standards and cryptosystems, authentication mechanisms and risk and controls mechanisms. The program ensures industry relevance by incorporating current best practices, emerging technologies, and real-world case studies.
You can also broaden your skill set by completing courses from four Cyber Security Option lists (Threat Analysis option, Cryptanalysis option, Security Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance option, or Blockchain option) allow you to integrate and apply your technical skills to real-world challenges, practical applications, and theoretical challenges.
The core course COSC2149 Computing Research and Project Preparation, is designed to develop your knowledge of essential applied research skills required for any computing professional. Through COSC2149 you will develop skills required for innovative projects and applying novel (untested) ideas in your chosen profession.
The program proposes two combinations, providing you with a capstone experience: Cyber Security Project Combination and Cyber Security Research Combination. The capstone experience will provide you with an opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your program. You will choose one combination to complete this program:
- Project Combination: including INTE2671 Cyber Security Postgraduate Project. An industry-focussed capstone project in this combination equips you to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your program. The types of projects you will undertake may include (but not limited to): critical infrastructure systems vulnerability evaluation, log file analysis for threat hunting, and, security controls design and analysis for organisations.
- Research Combination: including COSC2179 Minor Thesis/Project or COSC2389 Minor Thesis/Project Part A and COSC2390 Minor Thesis/Project Part B. This combination provides you an applied research project experience, which will give you opportunity to generate research ideas through extensive literature review for applied cyber security research, test research ideas through research methodology and validate and present outcomes. Furthermore, you may also pursue research studies leading towards a PhD.
While most courses in the program are delivered at the City campus, others are via a combination of predominantly online activities supported by some campus-based activities.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
Articulation
Articulation agreements between RMIT programs enable students graduating from an RMIT qualification to achieve advanced standing in a higher level qualification.
Graduates of the RMIT programs BP355 Bachelor of Cyber Security or BP356 Bachelor of Cyber Security (Professional) degree will receive credit for 48 credit points of advanced standing into MC159P25 Master of Cyber Security for the following four (4) courses: (Note: A standard year of full-time undergraduate study at RMIT University is 96 credit points).
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| INTE2665/INTE2666 | Introduction to Cyber Security | 12 |
| COSC2531/COSC2976 | Programming Fundamentals | 12 |
| COSC2061/COSC2982 | Data Communication and Net-Centric Computing | 12 |
| COSC2537/COSC2978 | Security in Computing and Information Technology | 12 |
Credit Points Total: 48 Credit Points |
Students with relevant studies in cyber security, computer science, information technology, software engineering, or data science will be eligible for advanced standing in MC159 Master of Cyber Security as follows:
| Qualification Level | Advanced Standing | Remaining Program Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) |
Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) depending on the courses previously studied | Minimum of 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full- time study) |
| Bachelor's degree (Honours) Graduate Diploma Master PhD (AQF Level 8 or higher) |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) depending on the courses previously studied | Minimum of 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full- time study) |
Please refer to the Masters Advanced Standing Credit Procedure for additional information regarding the recency of previous qualifications.
Pathways
Pathways refer to related programs for which you may be eligible once you have graduated from your current program. As a successful graduate of this program who has completed the Research Combination, you may (upon application) be eligible to proceed to MR221 Master of Computer Science (Research) and DR221 PhD in Computer Science. Acceptance into these programs would be subject to each programs' entry requirements.
The following exit awards are available:
- GC036P25 Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is available if you choose to exit the Master's program upon successful completion of the four (4) courses (48 credit points) specified in the program structure. This excludes any courses awarded as advanced standing.
- GD162P25 Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security is available if you choose to exit the Master's program upon successful completion of the eight (8) courses (96 credit points) specified in the program structure. This excludes any courses awarded as advanced standing.
| Exit-awards | Courses to be completed |
|---|---|
|
GC036P25 Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (48 credit points) |
Complete the following Two (2) Courses:
Select and Complete Two (2) of the following Courses:
|
|
GD162P25 Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security (96 credit points) |
Complete the following Eight (8) Courses:
|
The capabilities developed by the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are consequently less comprehensive than those developed by the Master's program.
Credit outside of the above arrangements will be assessed consistently with the RMIT University credit policy. If you wish to apply for a credit transfer/RPL, please refer to Apply for credit.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
Program Entry Requirements
An Australian bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.0, or equivalent; or
A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in information security, programming (web, application, database); software engineering; system, functional or business analysis; information, system or enterprise architecture; ICT management; administration (network, systems); support (desktop, helpdesk, system); web design/media; business information systems or information systems.
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page.
English Language Requirements
A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.
For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
External Accreditation
The MC159P25 Master of Cyber Security program is not accredited by any external body or industry, although it has been designed to align with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) core body of knowledge. ACS accredits Information and Communication Technology related programs that are offered by Australian universities, both onshore and offshore.
Industry Links
This program has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). Membership is diverse and drawn from external industry and professional institutions. These committees help inform program development and ensure that program content and student learning outcomes remain closely aligned with the needs of future employers. In addition, academic staff maintain connections with industry to develop and deliver work integrated learning experiences as well as offer advice on professional careers.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study space. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases. Computers and group study rooms are available at each Library. One-on-one study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, referencing, maths and study skills. To contact Library staff for help, phone, email or chat via the Ask the Library service https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/about-and-contacts/ask-the-library.
For recommended texts and databases relevant to your discipline, refer to https://rmit.libguides.com/computer-science
Find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.
IT and Wireless
If you have a laptop or other wireless-enabled device you can connect to RMIT’s fast Wi-Fi. While on campus, no matter how you work or where you work, you’re able to connect, collaborate and create using this secure network.
In addition, with myDesktop, you can access your RMIT desktop and applications from home or wherever you have an internet connection.
Online learning tools and content
As a student in this program you may access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses from the student portal https://www.rmit.edu.au/students.
Learning services available to you as a student at RMIT
RMIT provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to RMIT
- Disability, long-term illness, mental health support: Equitable Learning Service can create a tailored plan that supports your needs and identifies ongoing assistance so you can participate in your studies.
- Career Development and employment: get help finding a job, planning your career and exploring opportunities like volunteering, global study experiences and scholarships.
- Health and wellbeing: access medical and psychological support services as well as fitness and faith-based facilities. health, housing and financial matters.
- Accommodation: help finding accommodation if you’re joining RMIT from interstate or overseas or leaving home for the first time.
- Build connections with peers: participate in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities.
We also offer a dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Indigenous students - RMIT University.
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