Master of

Cyber Security
Build your cyber mindset
to secure your future
CRICOS Provider Code 00098G

This program guide contains information for:

Master of Cyber Security (8649)
Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security (5649)
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (7649)
1
Contents
Learn at UNSW – a world leader.  3

Defence connections 4

Leaders in Engineering 5

Master of Cyber Security 6

Masters program specialisations 7

Program overview 8

Program overview (contd.) 9

Program overview (contd.) 10

Knowledge areas 11

The UNSW Online experience 13

Program details 14

Entry requirements 15

Academic leadership 17

Get in touch 18

Course descriptions 19

2
Learn at UNSW
– a world leader.
Most employable Top ranked for Engineering
students and Technology
UNSW has been voted as having UNSW is ranked 1st in Australia for
the most employable students at Engineering and Technology studies.
the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
Awards, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
and 2024.

Group of Eight Highest graduate salaries

UNSW is part of the Group of Eight UNSW graduates earn the highest
(GO8): Australia’s leading research average salaries among graduates in
intensive universities. Australia.
QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023

Top 20 worldwide

UNSW is ranked 19th

overall in the world.

QS World University Rankings, 2025

3
Defence
connections
This program has been developed in collaboration with industry experts from UNSW
Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). UNSW Canberra is the only
national academic institution with an integrated defence focus.

UNSW Canberra in home to the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCYBER), the largest
concentration of research and tertiary education in the field of cyber security in the
Southern Hemisphere. UNSW Canberra Cyber is a centre of excellence that works closely
with the UNSW Defence Research Institute and is a member of the NSW Defence Innovation
Network.

For more than half a century, UNSW Canberra has combined research and education with
one of the world’s top military organisations to develop global leaders.

UNSW Canberra Cyber is a leading centre for cyber learning and research. Its cyber security
courses will teach you to think outside the box. You will obtain the tools and techniques
required to detect, analyse, and confront cyber challenges to help you succeed in this fast-
growing industry.

Image of AFDA: Kurt Barnett - UNSW Canberra

4
Leaders in
Engineering
UNSW Engineering is Australia’s leading engineering faculty, ranking #1 in Australia for
Engineering and Technology studies*. Our innovative teaching and practical work integrated
learning shapes the future leaders of engineering.

We believe engineering is about making and doing.

It is about seeing problems and solving them using a mix of lateral thinking, innate curiosity
and an enthusiasm for technology. Above all, engineering is about wanting to make a better
and safer world. Our students and graduates, trained by expert academics are among the
best in the world.

We deliver programs across eight schools: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering,

Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical
Engineering and Telecommunications, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Minerals
and Energy Resources Engineering and Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering.

A powerhouse of innovation in Australia and the region, UNSW Engineering is home to more
than 800 researchers and educators, including expertise across 36 research centres and
three institutes.

We translate research into real-world solutions, working closely with businesses,

government and community organisations.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024

5
Master of
Cyber Security
Cybercrime is a rapidly escalating issue in Australia, with the Designed for industry
Australian Cyber Security Centre reporting a 13% rise in cyber needs
incidents in 2023 alone​(ACS). This increase underscores the
urgent need for cybersecurity professionals, as both businesses Designed by leading cyber security
and governments face increasingly advanced cyberattacks. academics and industry experts
The economic impact is significant, with cybercrime costing and built to remain relevant in a
Australia an estimated $33 billion annually, threatening critical continuously developing sector.
infrastructure and sensitive data​(ACS).
Tailored security
At the same time, Australia is experiencing a major shortage
specialisations
of cybersecurity talent. With only one specialist for every 240
companies, this shortfall poses significant risks to businesses. Select from two cyber security
Moreover, the gap is expected to grow, with an estimated specialisations and a range of
shortage of 30,000 professionals in the near future​(ACS) ​ specific electives to build the
(Australian Associated Press). This highlights the importance masters program that suits your
of investing in advanced education, such as a Master of Cyber career path, existing skill set and
Security, to address this critical workforce gap. aspirations.
The Cyber Security program is designed for ambitious
professionals who want to become technical experts or leaders Quality and reputation
and leverage lucrative career opportunities within the field
Learn cyber security from one of
of cyber. The skills you develop in this program will help you
the most highly regarded Australian
provide safe and secure online experiences, often to some
universities and join our hugely
of the most vulnerable online users. Select from either the
successful and diverse cyber
Security Management and Leadership specialisation or Security
security alumni community.
Engineering specialisation within this program to further develop
your expertise and diversify your career options.
Accelerated learning with
This accelerated program is offered 100% online, meaning you immediate ROI
can study anywhere at any time and graduate in only two years
without taking time out of the workforce. With intakes every two months, study
one course at a time, 100% online
and accelerated, instantly adding
value to your career and organisation

6
Masters
program
specialisations

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

Foundation courses

Graduate Diploma in Graduate Diploma in

Cyber Security Cyber Security
(Security Management and Leadership) (Security Engineering)
Foundation courses + Foundation courses +
Specialisation electives Specialisation electives

Master of Cyber Security Master of Cyber Security

(Security Management and (Security Engineering)
Leadership) Foundation courses +
Foundation courses + Specialisation electives +
Specialisation electives + General electives +
General electives + Capstone
Capstone

7
Program
overview
The Master of Cyber Security program encompasses 12 online courses, with the choice of
selecting from a Security Management and Leadership or Security Engineering specialisation.

The masters program consists of four core courses, including at least four specialisation
courses, up to three electives, plus a project based capstone. Students may take one non-
domain elective with the permission of the Program Convenor.

Master of Specialisation #1 Specialisation Courses

Students must complete at least 4, maximum of
Cyber Security Security 5:
Management
Complete 72 Units of Credit and Leadership ß Cyber Operations
(UOC), which is 12 courses ß Cyber Risk and Resilience
(each course is 6 UOC). ß Cyber Management and Governance
ß Cyber Threats and Crime
ß Cyber and the Law
Core Courses – complete all
Elective Courses
ß Data Security and Privacy Students may take up to 2:
ß Cyber Security and Ethics
ß Principles of Security Engineering ß Digital Forensics†
ß Advanced Penetration Testing^
ß Penetration Testing
+ Specialisation ß Cloud Security
Choose 1 of the 2 specialisations ß Reverse Engineering†
and their courses from the right. ß Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
ß Operating System Fundamentals for Security#
ß Non-Domain Elective
+ Capstone Project With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may
substitute up to 6 UOC elective with any other postgraduate
Management and Leadership
course offered in one of the UNSW Online Programs.
Capstone Project

Specialisation #2 Specialisation Courses

Students must complete at least 4, maximum
Security of 5:
Engineering
ß Cyber Operations
ß Digital Forensics†
ß Advanced Penetration Testing^
ß Penetration Testing
ß Cloud Security
ß Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
ß Operating System Fundamentals for Security

Elective Courses
Students may take up to 2:

ß Cyber Operations
ß Cyber Risk and Resilience
ß Cyber Management and Governance
ß Cyber Threats and Crime
ß Reverse Engineering
ß Cyber and the Law
ß Non-Domain Elective
With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may
substitute up to 6 UOC elective with any other postgraduate
course offered in one of the UNSW Online Programs.

Prerequisites ^ Penetration Testing † Operating System Fundamentals for Security

# Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
Program overview
(contd.)
Graduate Specialisation #1 Specialisation Courses
Students must take at least 4 courses, maximum
Diploma in Security of 5 courses:
Cyber Security Management
and Leadership ß Cyber Operations
ß Cyber Risk and Resilience
Complete 48 Units of Credit ß Cyber Management and Governance
(UOC), which is 8 courses ß Cyber Threats and Crime
(each course is 6 UOC). ß Cyber and the Law

Elective Courses
Core Courses – complete all
Students can take a maximum of 2 courses:
ß Data Security and Privacy
ß Digital Forensics†
ß Cyber Security and Ethics
ß Advanced Penetration Testing^
ß Principles of Security Engineering
ß Penetration Testing
ß Cloud Security
+ Specialisation ß Reverse Engineering†
ß Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
Choose 1 of the 2 specialisations ß Operating System Fundamentals for Security#
and their courses from the right. ß Non-Domain Elective
With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may
substitute up to 6 UOC elective with any other postgraduate
course offered in one of the UNSW Online Programs.

Specialisation #2 Specialisation Courses

Study at least 4 courses, maximum of 5 courses:
Security
Engineering ß Cyber Operations
ß Digital Forensics†
ß Advanced Penetration Testing^
ß Penetration Testing
ß Cloud Security
ß Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
ß Operating System Fundamentals for Security

Electives Courses
Student can take a maximum of 2 courses:

ß Cyber Operations
ß Cyber Risk and Resilience
ß Cyber Management and Governance
ß Cyber Threats and Crime
ß Reverse Engineering
ß Cyber and the Law
ß Non-Domain Elective
With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may
substitute up to 6 UOC elective with any other postgraduate
course offered in one of the UNSW Online Programs.

Prerequisites ^ Penetration Testing † Operating System Fundamentals for Security

# Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
Program overview
(contd.)
Graduate Elective Courses
Students must complete 1:
Certificate in
Cyber Security ß
ß
Cyber Operations
Cyber Risk and Resilience
ß Cyber Management and Governance
Complete 24 Units of Credit ß Cyber Threats and Crime
(UOC), which is 4 courses ß Cyber and the Law
(each course is 6 UOC). ß Digital Forensics
ß Penetration Testing
ß Cloud Security
Core Courses – complete all ß Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler

ß Data Security and Privacy

ß Cyber Security and Ethics
ß Principles of Security Engineering

+ Elective Course
Choose 1 from the list to the right

Have a question?
Book a 15-minute chat with Schedule a call
a Student Advisor
Knowledge areas
Identify, mitigate and defend against risks and attacks
The internet is revolutionising society, enabling new ways to work, live, connect, collaborate and drive
economic growth while also exposing a new world of risk. Develop a security engineering mindset to
synthesise current trends to anticipate the future of cybercrime and gain an understanding of the current
controls that defend against cyber-attacks.

Protect organisations and individuals, their data, and their rights through robust security by
understanding and developing tools, techniques and processes. You will learn how organisations can
handle data in secure ways; understand the emerging issues and principles of privacy and how to
identify, manage and respond to security risks across organisations and current best practice in a rapidly
changing global environment.

Global perspective
The Cyber Security program provides coursework from international and local perspectives. Gain a
contemporary understanding of global cyber security issues and trends from experts and leading
academics to prepare you to anticipate future trends and equip you with the knowledge and skills to deal
with them.

Ethics and the law

Learn beyond just the technical, to develop a professional, ethical and legal understanding and approach
to the field of cyber. Gain best practice skills to steer organisations through emerging ethical and legal
challenges of the cyber landscape. Recognise and respond to future ethical challenges, develop an
appreciation of professional issues and best practice and understand ways to effectively analyse and
communicate ethical issues related to cyber security.

Understand the current key areas of legislation and how these impact on cyber security professional
practice. Survey the current legal framework in relation to cyber security including hacking, privacy,
surveillance, government powers to intercept data, protection of national infrastructure, use of spectrum,
GPS, military and agencies etc. You will also learn to identify other stakeholders and effectively bring
about positive change by addressing the ramifications of current along with future legislation and
regulation.

11
Security Management and Leadership
In pursuing the Security Management and Leadership specialisation you will increase your knowledge
and understanding of how business and cyber security intersect. Explore core cyber security concepts
and emerging security engineering principles. Apply your knowledge to help lead and manage
organisations through real world cyber security problems.

Gain the necessary skills for leadership in the sustainment and growth of an organisation’s cyber
resources, operations and security. You will also learn to deploy appropriate response and resilience
policies to maintain business in the face of a cyber attack. In your management and leadership capstone,
you will apply the theory and skills learned throughout the program in practical ways, by collaborating in
teams to conduct an exploratory leadership project related to cyber.

Security Engineering
Explore the Security Engineering specialisation, where you will gain detailed security knowledge and technical
capabilities. You will develop both fundamental theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in the science and art of
security design and assurance including pentration testing and learn to make effective holistic recommendations
for addressing weaknesses and improving security.

Understand paradigms for securing and assuring cloud-based infrastructure at scale and learn to
effectively communicate security recommendation, to key stakeholders. You will also develop your
technical coding, programmatic along with analytical skills and apply security knowledge to real world
applications. In your security engineering capstone unit you will undertake a self-directed learning
opportunity and effectively integrate skills learned across the program, to conduct an exploratory
technical project related to cyber.

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The UNSW
Online experience
z We are here to support you, every step of the way, to graduate from one of the
world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment has been designed
to seamlessly fit into your already busy schedule and you’ll be able to access
course resources on any device, at any time.

z Our academics are some of the best in the world and, even though you’re studying
online, you can expect your learning experience to be the same high standard as
that of our on-campus students.

z Throughout your study journey, you will be able to turn to your Student Success
Advisor, who is committed to assisting you from enrolment through to graduation.
They are on-hand for all non-academic queries by phone or email.

z You will also have access to Career Success – a curated, self-paced module
that provides a framework for thinking about, and taking action to implement, an
effective career plan. You will also have access to Career Success – a curated,
self-pawced module that provides a framework for thinking about, and taking
action to implement, an effective career plan. Through Career Success, you will
have access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach, and
guides on crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter.

13
Program details
2024 Indicative domestic program fees^
Master of Cyber Security Program code: 8649 12 courses $58,000

Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security Program code: 5649 8 courses $38,500

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Program code: 7649 4 courses $19,000

^All prices are listed in Australian dollars and may exceed the indicative figures listed. Visit our Fees page for up-to-date information
inclusive of 2024 indicative International program fees. Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually,
with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current
conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees.

Program intakes (Hexamesters) Program duration

Six intakes annually Each course is seven-weeks long, plus an Orientation

week. UNSW Online advises a minimum of 20–25
January, March, May, July, September, October
hours of study per week. The masters program can
be completed in as little as two years.

Nested qualifications

The Master of Cyber Security program also includes a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and a
Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security. For those who do not qualify for direct entry into the masters
program, you may be eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate. You can articulate from this into
the masters program (upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma).
Alternatively, if for whatever reason you choose not to continue to complete the masters program, you
can exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.

Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma Masters

Management and Leadership or Management and Leadership or
Four foundation courses Security Engineering Security Engineering
specialisations specialisations

4 Courses +4 Courses +4 Courses

or continue studying or continue studying

Study plans and completion times might vary depending on elective choice, recognition of prior learning (RPL), leave and subject
availability. For more information, speak with a Student Advisor.

14
Entry requirements
UNSW’s Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator
To assist us in assessing your previous study and eligibility for this course, we recommend using the
UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator as a guide. This calculator converts and scales the
grading schemes across the world into a percentage that applies to UNSW entry requirements.

Master of Cyber Graduate Diploma in Graduate Certificate in

Security (8649) Cyber Security (5649) Cyber Security (7649)

1. Have completed the Graduate 1. Have completed the Graduate 1. Have completed a Bachelor
Certificate in Cyber Security Certificate in Cyber Security (or degree or higher level
(or equivalent) with a equivalent) with a minimum qualification (or equivalent);
minimum WAM of 65; WAM of 65;
OR
OR OR
2. Applicants who have not
2. Have completed the Graduate 2. Have completed a Bachelor completed a Bachelor degree
Diploma in Cyber Security (or degree or higher level or higher level qualification are
equivalent); qualification in a cognate required to have a minimum of
discipline to the selected 2 years relevant or professional
OR specialisation* with a minimum experience* in cyber security or
3. Have completed a Bachelor WAM of 65. other cyber-related positions.
degree or higher level
qualification in a cognate
discipline to the selected
specialisation* with a
minimum WAM of 65.

Limitations on Recognition of Limitations on Recognition of Prior Limitations on Recognition of Prior

Prior Learning Learning Learning
• Maximum of 6 core courses • Maximum of 4 core courses • Students enrolled in a program
(36 UOC) can be granted, (24 UOC) can be granted, where that consists of 24 UOC or less
where total RPL does not total RPL does not exceed 50% are not eligible for RPL.
exceed 50% of the program. of the program.
• Can only be granted based on • Can only be granted based on
postgraduate study. postgraduate study.

*ZZENDS Security Management *ZZENAS Security Management & *Relevant experience includes being
& Leadership cognate disciplines Leadership cognate disciplines may responsible for tasks within cyber-
may include Science, Engineering, include Science, Engineering, Business, related role that may include technical
Business, Leadership, and Policy. Leadership, and Policy. or governance roles. It can include
experience of managing a small team,
being a team leader, managing a
*ZZENES Security Engineering *ZZENBS Security Engineering cognate
relevant project.
cognate disciplines may include disciplines may include Science,
Science, Engineering, and other Engineering, and other degrees with
degrees with substantial computing, substantial computing, mathematics,
mathematics, and/or statistics and/or statistics courses.
courses

15
English Language
You may need to provide evidence of your English
language proficiency to study at UNSW, depending
on your educational background and citizenship.
UNSW requires a minimum level of English language
competency for enrolment. English language skills
are essential for webinar comprehension and
the completion of coursework, assignments and
examinations. If English is not your first language,
you will need to provide proof of your English
proficiency prior to receiving an offer to study at
UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that
you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English

courses

Prior study in the medium of English

Other qualifications

English waivers

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit
towards your online postgraduate studies provided
that they meet relevant course requirements. If you
are eligible for admission and you have undertaken
previous studies at another institution, you may be
eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL).

Students can apply for RPL during the program

application process and must ensure all relevant
supporting documents are submitted for assessment if
requested by Admissions, including course outlines from
the same year they completed the relevant course/s as
content may change over time. Courses successfully
completed within the past ten years can be used for credit
transfer within a program as provided within the program
rules and the University rules on credit.

For the Master of Cyber Security advanced standing

may be possible for up to 50% of the program. Advanced
standing or exemption can be granted in the program
for cases where core courses were completed in a prior
program.

Find out more about RPL and credit transfer at

UNSW

16
Academic leadership
Dr Rahat Masood, Program Director

Dr Rahat Masood is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and

Engineering at the University of New South Wales. Her research area focuses
on the security and privacy of mobile, web, and IoT platforms, network
security, and critical infrastructure protection. More recently, her research
has involved privacy risks identification and quantification, and privacy-
preserving technologies, particularly from a human behaviour perspective.
She received her PhD from the UNSW, in collaboration with the information
security and privacy group at Data61-CSIRO. Before joining UNSW, she worked
as a postdoctoral fellow at Data61-CSIRO, where she designed and evaluated
privacy-preserving algorithms as required by diverse application scenarios.

Rahat is currently collaborating with Cyber Security Cooperative Research

Centre (CSCRC) and Australian Defence Forces and on multiple cyber security
projects. She was also a visiting scholar at the Sandia National Laboratories
(SNL), New Mexico, and Cyber Security Policy and Research Institute (CSPRI)
at The George Washington University. Her Master's degree is in Computer
& Communication Security from NUST School of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science (SEECS), Pakistan, and Bachelor's degree is in Software
Engineering (Honours).

Dr Tom Townsend, Program Director

Dr Tom Townsend is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales

Canberra School of Professional Studies, currently teaching the online Master
of Cyber Security. With 14 years of teaching experience overlapping with
more than 20 years in IT and Cyber focused roles. He also has experience
consulting and working across the federal government, predominantly in the
areas of architecture and strategy writing.

In 2022, Tom made the transition into full-time academia, focused on teaching
in this Master of Cyber Security program and professional development
courses. He is also involved in an eclectic range of research encompassing
Design Science, Serious Games, Modelling, and Machine Learning. Tom is
passionate about giving students an authentic experience that leans on his
eclectic professional experience and a keen interest in teaching and learning.

17
Get in touch
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are
here to help you with all your program
and enrolment queries.

studyonline.unsw.edu.au

1300 974 990

future-student@studyonline.unsw.edu.au

Have a question?
Book a 15-minute chat with a Student Advisor

Book now

Apply to UNSW Online

If you’re ready to apply, then we’re ready to guide you

through the application process.

Visit the UNSW website to start your application or

book a call with our Student Enrolment Advisors to
discuss entry requirements and any questions you
may have.

Apply now

18
Course
descriptions
Data Security and Privacy  19

Cybersecurity Ethics 19

Principles of Security Engineering 19

Cyber Operations 20

Penetration Testing 20

Cloud Security 20

Cyber and the Law 21

Cyber Threats and Crime 21

Cyber Management and Governance 22

Cyber Risk and Resilience  22

Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler  22

Operating System Fundamentals for Security^  23

Advanced Penetration Testing^^ 23

Reverse Engineering^ 24

Digital Forensics^^ 24

Management and Leadership Capstone Project* 24

Security Engineering Capstone Project^^ 25

19
Data Security and Privacy
Course overview
Security and privacy are related but distinct concepts; they are also some of the defining
terms of the 21st century. This course equips student for handling data in secure ways,
understanding the nature and principles of privacy, and how to securely identify manage and
respond to privacy risks across large datasets and current best practice in a changing global
environment.

Cybersecurity Ethics
Course overview
Ethical and professional behaviour are the cornerstone of cyber security. This course
provides students with fundamental ethical frameworks, applied to the cyber security
profession. Students analyse topics and current and historic cyber events from
ethical, professional, and legal perspectives. The course equips students to recognise,
effectively analyse, and respond to future ethical challenges as they arise.

Principles of Security
Engineering
Course overview
Today, we have the skills and abilities to engineer secure, reliable, physical infrastructure, but
we do not possess the same abilities to build secure digital systems.

This course will introduce you to the principles of the emerging field of Security Engineering,
where you will apply engineering principles and practices to the design, operation and
assurance of secure systems. A systematic, analytic and reflective approach to designing
reliable secure systems from unreliable, insecure components.

20
Cyber Operations
Course overview
This course provides students with a theoretical framework and technical skills for securing
modern networks against cyber-attack(s). The course provides you with an overview of modern
attacks and modern defensive measures and tools, including strengths and limitations. The
course has a practical focus and equips you with the applied technical skills needed to design
and secure modern networks.

Students are assumed to have knowledge of basic TCP/IP networking.

Penetration Testing
Course overview
This course provides a theoretical background to the science and art of penetration testing along
with an introduction to hands-on skills used in the process of carrying out a tool-based penetration
test. The course also provides an understanding of the legal requirements, professional ethical and
self-care issues, technical processes, limitations, reporting requirements and communication skills
for non-technical audiences.

Cloud Security
Course overview
This course provides an overview of the rapidly growing field of cloud security. The course
addresses the ways in which cloud paradigms change the strengths and vulnerabilities of
infrastructure compared with traditional computing environments. The course covers paradigms for
securing and assuring cloud-based infrastructure at scale.

21
Cyber and the Law
Course overview
This course provides a survey of the current legal framework related to cyber security including hacking,
privacy, surveillance, government powers to intercept data, GIPA, FOI, protection of national infrastructure,
copyright, crime, anti-terror legislation, fraud, money laundering, powers of police, whistle-blowers, use
of spectrum, GPS, military, agencies, overseas legal regimes such as GDPR and corporate compliance
requirements.

The course also looks at the main industry players and how they interact with the legislation and each
other. These include ombudsmen, judicial review, privacy commissioners, ministers at state and federal
level, agencies, quasi-governmental bodies such as ASCS, AustCyber and CERTS and the role of the
police, AFP, DSD, Cyber command, 5 eyes, APT and nation states. Finally, we look at worldwide trends and
likely future directions.

Cyber Threats and Crime

Course overview
The internet is revolutionising our society by driving economic growth and offering new ways to connect
and co-operate with one another. As with most change, increasing our reliance on cyberspace brings
new opportunities but also new threats. While the internet fosters open markets and open societies, this
can also make users more vulnerable to criminals, activists and foreign intelligence services that want to
harm us by compromising or damaging our critical data and systems.

Activities that fall under this category are often referred to as high tech crime, computer crimes,
or cybercrimes.

Technology-enabled crime encompasses:

• Crimes committed directly against computers and computer systems.

• The use of technology to commit or facilitate traditional crimes.

This course outlines the current and emerging trends in cybercrime from a holistic perspective and how
they are being countered. It also discusses emerging technologies and how they might be secured and
misused.

22
Cyber Management
and Governance
Course overview
Cyber Management and Governance equips you with the skills for weighing competing challenges for the
management of cyber and related governance activities in an organisational context. You will learn how to
develop cyber strategies, policies and to apply a critical eye to the cyber challenges facing organisations
today. Building an understanding of how these governance tools impact people and the efficacy of cyber
security controls and practices.

Cyber Risk and Resilience

Course overview
Cyber resilience is the organisational ability to deliver business or operational outcomes despite cyber
attack. True resilience is a measure of both business and cyber understanding. This course provides
students with the skills necessary to manage contemporary risks through gaining a systematic
understanding of the principles and policies for developing the resilience of communities, businesses,
and critical systems.

Fundamentals of Coding:
C and Assembler
Course overview
This course will teach you how to program to C and low-level assembly language. It forms an introduction
to programming in C and a low-level understanding of the underlying operation of modern computers.

C is introduced slowly and at each step we see how C programs are compiled into corresponding
machine code and the details of how the computer actually then executes the program.

This course is suitable even if you have never programmed before or have programmed but are not
familiar with C, or assembly. or would like a refresher through the lens of cyber security.

23
Operating System Fundamentals
for Security^
Course overview
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of modern operating systems including how they
are attacked, their security mechanisms, and countermeasures. It provides an in-depth look at the
services provided by modern Operating Systems, from a security perspective.

Advanced Penetration Testing^^

Course overview
This course teaches offensive security. Coverage will be updated to remain current and includes
topics drawn from:

• Advanced web application attacks

• Hand-crafted multi stage and non-tool-based attacks
• Layer 2 attacks
• Social engineering
• Stealth, exploit generation and delivery
• Physical attacks
• Insider attacks
• Negotiating appropriate rules of engagement and managing legal risk
• Reporting and ethical professional frameworks for advanced penetration testing
• Red teaming

Assumed knowledge: Students are expected to be familiar with TCP/IP networking across OSI
layers 2-7 and programming / scripting in python or equivalent.

^Pre-requisites: completion of Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler

^^Pre-requisites: completion of Penetration Testing

24
Reverse Engineering^
Course overview
This overall aim of this course is to examine the link between high level code written by humans and low
level code executed by systems. An understanding of the ways in which these can differ is essential
for developing exploitation skills, and for low level defensive design and testing. This course requires
entering students to already understand higher level programming languages such as C and low
level machine code for common microprocessors such as x86/x64 or ARM. Students learn software
assurance and security analysis as well as basic malware analysis.

Digital Forensics^^
Course overview
Digital forensics is an under-represented area of cyber security. It encompasses the processes and
technical understanding surrounding both the investigation of computer crimes and crimes where
evidence remains on computing devices. This course provides a strong foundation for both those
wanting to specialise in this area of cyber security, and those seeking to understand the processes for
improved incident response. Students will be able to forensically analyse digital devices and understand
the ethical, legal and self care issues associated with cybercrime investigations.

Management and Leadership

Capstone Project*
Course overview
This capstone project provides a self-directed learning opportunity, to allow you to apply the skills
learned in this program to an exploratory management or leadership project in cyber security. You will
have individual responsibility for the timely completion of a significant engineering or research project
under the guidance of a member of academic staff. You will be expected to demonstrate a professional
level of preparation, planning, execution, testing and documentation. You will be expected to meet a
number of strictly enforced milestones and to take considerable initiative in overcoming obstacles.

For more information about assessing The Capstone Project, please check here

^Pre-requisites: completion of Operating System Fundamentals

^Pre-requisites: completion of Operating System Fundamentals and Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
*Pre-requisites: completion of eight units of credit (eight courses)

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Security Engineering Capstone
Project^^
Course overview
Capstone Project provides a self-directed learning opportunity, to allow you to apply the skills learned
in this program to an exploratory management or leadership project in cyber security. You will have
individual responsibility for the timely completion of a significant engineering or research project under
the guidance of a member of academic staff. You will be expected to demonstrate a professional level of
preparation, planning, execution, testing and documentation. You will be expected to meet a number of
strictly enforced milestones and to take considerable initiative in overcoming obstacles.

This project will need to be pre-approved. Example projects include integrating your learning into a
business or organisation, directed novel research (either individually or in a group), or a researched paper
that benefits the community at large. Example projects include contributing to, or making new software
that benefits the community, a directed project to produce novel research (either individually or as a
group), conducting a security assessment and providing appropriate feedback, or integrating your new
skills into a business or organisation. This course aims to both integrate the skills and knowledge from the
different courses within the degree, and also to provide opportunities to focus on areas that interest you.

^^Pre-requisites: completion of eight units of credit (eight courses)

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