Join us for #CareersUnlocked: Trends, threats and the future of Cyber Security

30 November 6pm - 6:45pm (AEDT)

While cyber criminals develop new ways to find and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, organisations worldwide are increasingly relying on the expertise of cyber security managers. Keeping networks running smoothly and protecting sensitive data takes constant monitoring and proper cyber security management. Cyber security managers are responsible for knowing where a network’s vulnerabilities lie and the methods cyber criminals use to infiltrate information systems. They use their expertise and knowledge to avert these efforts.   

Degree type

Postgraduate coursework

Duration

1 year full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1, Semester 2

Program code

8629

Delivery mode

Online (some face-to-face electives)

Overview

The Master of Cyber Security Operations at UNSW Canberra is for postgraduate students and professional managers who wish to gain a more detailed understanding of the managerial and technical skills and expertise required to protect information systems and computer networks from cyber attack. As a Cyber Security Operations graduate, you’ll be able to monitor systems for security gaps, design effective solutions and provide detailed reports to executive management on all aspects of cybersecurity operations.    

 

World-class teaching facilities

The Cyber Range includes a digital forensics lab and virtual learning environments where our students learn how to identify and manage cyber threats.    
 

What our students say

“This degree is suitable for people like me who are explaining and dealing with cyber issues to all types of people, from technical developers and service management people to the public and businesspeople. I needed to understand cyber at all these levels.”  
Anne Coull, Master of Cyber Security Operations student


Find out more

For more information on this degree, including entry requirements, see the UNSW Handbook.

  • Students undertaking Master of Cyber Security Operations need to complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC) by completing eight 6-UOC courses from the list in the Handbook entry for the program (see the list in Course Availability below). 

    In the Master of Cyber Security Operations program, students must complete four core courses and four elective courses. Not all elective courses will be available in a particular year. The courses in the program may be taken in any order, but it's recommended that the four core courses are completed first, followed by the four elective courses. 

    With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students with a High Distinction average in four courses may complete a 12-UOC research project in lieu of two elective courses. The project is recommended for those with a strong interest in pursuing original research in a specific area or for those intending to undertake a higher-level research qualification. 

    Students may take up to two elective courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs with the approval of the Program Coordinator.  

  • Please note: Program rules are subject to change. Students need to follow the program rules set out in the UNSW Handbook of the current year of their admission into the program.           

    Core courses

    Code Course Semester 1 - 2024 Semester 2 - 2024
    ZEIT8017 Cyber Crime and Cyber Security  Distance Mode

    Not Offered

    ZEIT8018 Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition Distance Mode Not Offered
    ZEIT8032 Information Assurance Principles Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8037 Cyber Security Risk Management Not offered Distance Mode

     

    Electives

    List one

    Note: Some courses are offered in intensive delivery mode only (ie 5 full days in the Cyber Range lab on campus at UNSW Canberra, followed by online study throughout the semester). Assumed technical knowledge is required. Please refer to the Course Outline for details.

    Code Course Semester 1 - 2024 Semester 2 - 2024
    ZEIT8019 Intrusion Analysis and Response Not Offered Not Offered
    ZEIT8020 Cyber Offence: Threats and Opportunities

    Distance Mode + Intensive Mode

    Not Offered
    ZEIT8024 Software Security Lifecycle Distance Mode Not Offered
    ZEIT8025 Reverse Engineering Distance Mode Not Offered
    ZEIT8026 Cyber Defence: Network Security Operations Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8027 Critical Infrastructure and Control System Security Not Offered Intensive Mode
    ZEIT8028 Digital Forensics Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8029 Mobile Network and Memory Forensics

    Distance Mode

    Not Offered 
    ZEIT8030 Big Data and Decision Analytics for Security Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8035 Cyber Terrorism Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8043 Cyber and the Law Not Offered Not Offered
    ZPEM8208 Human Factors and the Technological Interface Distance Mode Not Offered
    ZPEM8310 Understanding Social-Technical Systems: Ideas, Spaces and Cultures Not Offered Distance Mode
    List two

    Note: Students should complete no more than two electives (12 UOC) from the list below:  

    Code Course Semester 1 - 2024 Semester 2 - 2024
    ZEIT8015 Cyber Operations Not Offered Not Offered
    ZEIT8303 Project Management Body of Knowledge Distance Mode Distance Mode
    ZEIT8115 Information Operations  Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZEIT8119 Internetworking Not Offered Distance Mode
    ZHSS8441 Cyber-Security and World Politics  Distance Mode Not Offered
    ZEIT8601 Applied Machine Learning Not Offered Distance Mode
    Research Project  
    Code Course Semester 1 - 2024 Semester 2 - 2024
    ZEIT8260 Project Report – Cyber Security (Part Time) Distance Mode Distance Mode
    ZEIT8261 Project Report – Cyber Security (Full Time) Distance Mode Distance Mode

     
    PLuS Alliance Online Course Exchange

    UNSW Sydney is part of the PLuS (Phoenix-London-Sydney) Alliance with Arizona State University (ASU) and King’s College London. The PLuS Alliance provides unique international study opportunities for students in all three universities. Select Master courses from each university are available through the PLuS Alliance Online Course Exchange.

    For further information please visit PLuS Alliance.

    For further information about PLuS Alliance Online Course Exchange, how to access PLuS courses, support and contact, please visit www.plusalliance.org/orientation.

    The following ASU course is available as an elective in the Master of Cyber Security Operations program.

    PLuS Alliance elective course available through Arizona State University
    Code Course Course Dates for Term 1 2024 Course Dates for Term 2 2024
    YCAN8000 US Cyber Policy and Information Security

    Monday 11 of March 2024 - Friday 26 of April 2024
     

    Census Date - Sunday 24 March 2024 (last day to withdraw from YCAN8000 for Term 2 2024 without financial or academic penalty)

    Monday 01 of July 2024 - Friday 09 of August 2024
     

    Census Date - Sunday 14 of July 2024 (last day to withdraw from YCAN8000 for Term 2 2024 without financial or academic penalty)

     
    For further information and enrolment to this course, please contact SAS at sascanberra@unsw.edu.au

    Maximum class size

    Please note there is an enrolment capacity for this course – 15 places for Term 1 2024 and TBC for Term 2 2024. Once this capacity has been reached, SAS will hold a ‘waiting list’ of 5 students and no further enrolments can be considered.

  • For information regarding entry requirements, please refer to the UNSW Handbook

  • If you have successfully completed approved professional development courses, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning towards future study. 

    Find out more

Key contacts

Program Coordinator
Dr Siqi Ma
E: siqi.ma@adfa.edu.au

Student Enquiries
E:
sas@adfa.edu.au
T: +61 2 5114 5000