Master of Cybersecurity
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LMCY
Fees
AUD$ 35,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 37,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6]
- IELTS writing [6]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
092659F
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry to this program is competitive and will be assessed by the Program Director. Applicants will normally have completed a Bachelor Degree in Information Technology with a UniSA equivalent GPA of at least 5.0.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor Degree or higher in any discipline may also be considered for entry based upon their IT expertise gained through formal tertiary studies and/or relevant work experience. These applicants are required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview, either in person or online.English language entry requirements
In addition, international students of non-English speaking backgrounds must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6]
- IELTS writing [6]
This degree has no further intakes. Please visit the new program Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security).
Degree overview
- Study at the No.1 university in SA for student satisfaction in IT.1
- Join a growing industry tasked with protecting critical IT infrastructure and information.
- Study technical topics such as web and cloud security, network security, digital forensics, identity management and access control.
- Apply technical skills to organisational contexts with a focus on risk management and incident response.
- Devise and implement a defence strategy for a complex enterprise environment in a final year Cybersecurity Exercise.
1ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2020-21, Computing and Information Systems – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Join a growing industry tasked with protecting critical IT infrastructure and information.
Cybersecurity is an essential component of a modern, prosperous and safe society. Like many other nations, Australia is suffering from a cybersecurity skills shortage. These particular skills are essential in our connected, technology-enabled world1.
You will develop the skills and expertise required to assess, design and implement enterprise wide cybersecurity. In a final year Cybersecurity Exercise you will devise and implement a defence strategy for a complex enterprise environment.
UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub at Lot Fourteen to educate Australia’s next generation of cybersecurity and data science specialists. The alliance will deliver multi-disciplinary education courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with the creation of a joint research and innovation fund to develop and attract innovation to South Australia. Further information is available here
1Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, A cyber-smart-nation
What you'll learn
You will study a range of core and technical courses including network infrastructure, security governance, web and cloud security, and cybersecurity risk and compliance. You will also complete two capstone courses:
Security Architecture: apply cybersecurity defence strategies and security testing techniques to a complex IT environment and develop presentation methods for communicating technical topics to a lay audience.
Professional Project: work in a structured project team, gaining practical experience in contemporary cybersecurity techniques and practices.
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
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
- group projects and presentations
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.
Why Master of Cybersecurity
In this master degree you’ll learn the very broad cybersecurity aspects of complex enterprise architecture. In your final year you will devise and implement a defence strategy for a complex enterprise environment.
Topics you’ll study will include:
- network security
- application and web security
- identity management and access control
- digital forensics
- infrastructure security
- and, industrial internet security (including Internet of Things)
You’ll graduate with real-world knowledge and the skills to capitalise on the global need for cybersecurity experts.
Real-world connections
Research institutes and centres
UniSA is home to several research institutes and centres, including:
All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Further information about research at UniSA is available here.
Online study
Can I study this program online?
As a student in this program, you will be required to attend on-campus classes. While some courses may be available for external study, at this time it is not possible to complete the entire program online.
Your career
The cybersecurity field is flourishing and the need for specialists is increasing.
In April 2016, the Australian government launched a $230m Cyber Security Strategy with 33 initiatives aimed at improving defences and creating a 'cyber smart nation'. It addresses our nation’s “shortage of cyber security professionals” and states that we must “build our nation’s stock of cyber security skills, which are becoming increasingly essential for life and work in our connected world”.
Careers to consider:
- cybersecurity consultant: 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
- information security analyst: reporting and recommendations to prevent security incidents; security control monitoring; implementing new security technology, methods and techniques; championing security best practice; reviewing systems for security risks and compliance issues
- system security engineer: engineering, implementing and monitoring security measures to protect computer systems, networks and information; configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure devices; communicating with internal stakeholders as quickly as possible about security incidents and mitigation strategies
- system security architect: identifying and defining system security requirements; designing computer security architecture and developing cyber security designs; preparing and documenting standard operating procedures and protocols; developing solutions and security tools to help mitigate security vulnerabilities
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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
Our international 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:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.
Your study spaces
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
Additional info
Is this program suitable for information technology professionals?
Yes, this program is designed to produce graduates with specialist cybersecurity knowledge, skills and competencies. Developing cybersecurity expertise not only benefits from, but requires, a strong information technology background either gained through formal education and/or work experience. Please refer to the formal entry requirements for further details.
Can I do more than one course at a time?
Yes. Usually a full-time load is 36 units. To achieve a full-time load in the Master of Cybersecurity, like many other postgraduate degrees at UniSA, you will need to successfully complete four, 4.5 unit courses per semester. If you decide to reduce your course load, and it is less than 75% of a full-time load, you will be deemed to be a part-time student.
How much time will I need each week?
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for the scheduled lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals (or the online / intensive mode equivalent). Plus, you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and to contribute to online discussions. As a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate a total of 10 hours per week, per course.
How much contact will I have with the teaching staff and my fellow students?
Students studying internally will have many opportunities to work alongside fellow students during scheduled course components such as workshops, seminars and practicals and will have opportunities to meet with teaching staff on campus.
Your program director
-
How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
-
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
