Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LBCP

SATAC Code
434891 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 66.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 66.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • No.1 in SA for graduate skills in I.T.1. 
  • Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as cyber security, augmented reality and data analytics.
  • Learn from dedicated, highly experienced teaching staff including practitioners employed in industry.
  • Benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry offering significant opportunities for placements and industry projects.
  • Focus on the security of information systems in contemporary IT systems.
  • Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning.
  • Develop the skills to support a network roll-out and maintenance.
  • Gain an understanding of network topologies and devices such as routers and firewalls.
  • Learn using the latest industry software and technology.
  • Prepare for industry (Cisco) certification exams including Cisco-Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco-Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
  • Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
  • Start now, decide later. Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between IT specialisations and receive credit for completed courses.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia – and around the world – with rapid technological advancement and the evolving threat environment increasing demand that is set to see around 17,000 new jobs needed by 20261 .

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity) will see you focus on the security of business information systems in small to large enterprises. You will gain an in-depth theoretical understanding, as well as the practical skills needed to identify, analyse and mitigate risks in the management of a secure network.

Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, the program has also been designed to prepare you to sit industry certification exams in Cisco, including Cisco-Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco-Certified Network Professional (CCNP) so that you may pursue highly regarded industry certification as well.

You will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings so that you graduate ready to meet the demands of industry.  

Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your IT specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 3 or 4 years full-time (depending on your degree length). Start now, decide later.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

1Australia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020

What you'll learn

What you Learn

During your first year of study you will gain a solid foundation in networking, database development, programming fundamentals and systems analysis and design, before focusing on your networking and cybersecurity major that will you see you studying:

  • systems administration and design
  • network architecture and security
  • Cisco-Certified Network Professional route, switch and troubleshoot
  • digital forensics and electronic discovery
  • cloud, virtualisation and storage

In your final year, you will put your skills into practice through our ICT Capstone Project. You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills – communication strategies, stakeholder relationship management, project management – in a real-world setting to produce and deliver an artifact for your client. This could include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions and analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.

You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Information Technology Fundamentals INFT 1016 4.5
Problem Solving and Programming COMP 1039 4.5
Network Fundamentals INFT 1012 4.5
Design Thinking Studio INFT 1030 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Object Oriented Programming COMP 1046 4.5
Data Driven Web Technologies INFS 1025 4.5
System Requirements and User Experience INFS 1026 4.5
System Requirements Studio INFT 1031 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Network Design and Realisation INFS 2050 4.5
Network Design Studio INFS 2051 4.5
Network Architecture INFT 3019 4.5
Security Foundations INFS 3090 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Agile Development and Governance INFS 2041 4.5
Project Studio INFS 2043 4.5
Cloud, Virtualisation and Storage INFT 4028 4.5
CCNP Enterprise Core INFT 3022 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Network Security INFT 3015 4.5
Systems Administration INFT 3026 4.5
Risk Management and Governance INFS 3083 4.5
CCNP Enterprise Services INFT 3023 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Big Data Concepts INFS 4020 4.5
Human Factors and Cyber Criminal Behaviour INFS 4021 4.5
ICT Capstone Project INFT 3042 4.5 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports and project documentation
  • essays and assignments 
  • examinations 
  • an industry-relevant project 
  • practicals

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity)

Why this Degree

Under the current climate of escalating cyber-attacks, UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub at Lot Fourteen, tasked with driving new innovations and helping to deliver the best education for Australia’s next cybersecurity and data science professionals.

Throughout your program you will complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Soft, non-technical skills are also integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design and agile development, and project management.

In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – with our ICT Capstone Project. Upon graduation, this allows you to demonstrate your ability to deliver work to industry standard, and to the satisfaction of a client.

Most of our IT undergraduate programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative IT program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.

Real-world connections

With more than 200 industry contacts, you will have numerous opportunities to gain real-world experience through projects and placements with organisations such as Adelaide Football Club, Services Australia, SAAB, DSTO, Forensic Science SA, Top Chop Games and Maptek.

UniSA is also home to several research centres and concentrations, including: 

All have world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.

You will also benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:

  • Workshops
  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
  • Access to a global pool of expert advisers
  • Small funding stipends
  • Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons

We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Career outcomes

Your career

Australia’s technology workforce is expected to experience strong growth, averaging an increase of 5.4% annual increase through to 2026. Nearly half of that growth is forecast to occur in ICT technical and professional roles, with a further 26% expected in ICT management and operations roles1.

Furthermore, cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia, enabling the digital economy to grow and innovate particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people and businesses move online2.

There are strong employment prospects for suitably qualified ICT professionals.

Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:

  • Network Administrator: supporting infrastructure for wired network connections, wireless access points and remotely connected users; ensuring continuous network operations; performing installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrade, documentation, and operational support of network equipment
  • Cyber Security Analyst: specialist understanding vulnerabilities and threats; performing threat and risk assessments, and mitigation strategies; developing network system architecture and design; auditing, acceptance testing and compliance; ability to work in a close team
    Computer Network Systems Engineer: designing and implementing networks and network security; understanding of security tools like cloud security, malware detection, web application firewalls, intrusion prevention; technical security risk assessment; writing security procedures and documentation 
  • System Administrator: responsible for the upkeep, configuration and reliable operation of computer systems, in particular multi-user computers such as servers
  • Virtualisation Engineer: managing data storage, server resources and other virtual computing platforms

Career progression may see you take on roles such as:

  • Network Manager
  • Senior Network Engineer
  • Senior Cyber Security Analyst

1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
2Australia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Industry facts

job-listings

Computer Network Professionals is expected to grow very strongly with an additional 7,900 jobs (or 22.2 per cent) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights 2022)

global-travel-delivery

The Australian cybersecurity market is expected to be valued at AU$8.5 billion by 2024 with Australia's cyber maturity ranked second in the Indo-Pacific

(International Trade Administration 2022)

chart-people

Database & System Administrators & ICT Security professionals is expected to strongly grow with 29,100 jobs (or 38.9 per cent) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights 2022)

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

UniSA is ranked Number 1 in SA for campus facilities in IT¹.

During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:

  • Gaming Lab
  • Software Development Lab
  • Network and Cyber Security Labs
  • IT Project Space
  • IT Development Studio
  • Mac Lab
  • Wearable Computer Lab

1 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your study spaces

Your program director

I completed my PhD at UniSA in high performance computing. My teaching passion is in networking and infrastructure concepts and one of my career highlights has been getting the Internship program with DXC Technology off the ground and ensuring it is a continuing success.

Dr Grant Wigley

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Grant Wigley
Portrait image for Dr Grant Wigley

Dr Grant Wigley

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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