The UNSW Online Master of Cyber Security program is made up of twelve courses, which includes three core courses, a selection of specialisation courses and a capstone project. You can choose to specialise in either Security Management and Leadership or Security Engineering, depending on your area of interest.

Core courses

• Data Security and Privacy
• Cybersecurity Ethics
• Principles of Security Engineering

Course availability is dependent on initial intake timing and following student participation in study periods. For more information, speak with a Student Advisor

Security Management and Leadership Specialisation 

The Security Management and Leadership specialisation relates to the emerging human, socio-technical and leadership aspects of cyber security. It will instill the skills and understanding of managing a team of cyber security professionals, and also to understand and contribute to the wider narrative of which cybersecurity is a part.

Specialisation core courses

You must complete at least four courses from the below list:

• Cyber Operations
• Cyber Risk and Resilience
• Cyber Management and Governance
• Cyber Threats and Crime
• Cyber and the Law

Electives

 You must complete up to four courses from the below list:

• Advanced Penetration Testing
• Cloud Security
• Digital Forensics
• Penetration Testing
• Reverse Engineering
• Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
• Operating System Fundamentals for Security
• Non-domain elective^

Specialisation capstone

You must complete the following course:

• Management and Leadership Capstone Project*

*8 courses must be completed before enrolling in the Capstone Project.

Security Engineering Specialisation

The Security Engineering specialisation specifically to the highly technical aspects of the field, and focuses on producing software-literate graduates to work on the computer, networking and applied aspects of cybersecurity.

Specialisation core courses

You must complete at least four courses from the below list:

• Cyber Operations
• Digital Forensics
• Advanced Penetration Testing
• Penetration Testing
• Cloud Security
• Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
• Operating System Fundamentals for Security

Electives

 You must complete up to four courses from the below list:

• Cyber Risk and Resilience
• Cyber Management and Governance
• Cyber Threats and Crime
• Cyber and the Law
• Reverse Engineering
• Non-domain elective^

Capstone project

You must complete the following course:

• Security Engineering Capstone*

*8 courses must be completed before enrolling in the Capstone Project.
^With permission from the Program Convenor, you may substitute one elective with any other postgraduate course offered in one of the UNSW Online programs.

Whether you’re looking to advance your current role or upskill in an area of interest, the online Master of Cyber Security from UNSW Online will equip you with the specialist skills to become a technical expert or leader in cyber security. Diverse and rewarding careers await Master of Cyber Security graduates. Roles may include:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Cloud Security Analyst
• Computer Forensics Analyst
• Cryptographer
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Technician
• IT Risk Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Project Manager

To find out more about how the Master of Cyber Security can help you in fast-tracking a rewarding career, speak with a Student Advisor

There are two specialisations to choose from in this program – Security Management and Leadership or Security Engineering. Please refer to your chosen specialisation to find out more about the entry requirements.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place. Study plans and completion times might vary depending on elective choice, RPL, leave and subject availability. For more information, speak with a Student Advisor.

Security Management and Leadership entry requirements

• Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
• Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65

*ZZENDS Security Management & Leadership cognate disciplines may include Science, Engineering, Business, Leadership, and Policy.

Security Engineering entry requirements

• Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
• Have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65

*ZZENES Security Engineering cognate disciplines may include science, engineering and other degrees with substantial computing, mathematics and/or statistics courses.

English language

You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments. Proof can include:

• English tests or university courses
• Prior study in English
• Other qualifications or waivers

Canadian students may be able to access federal and provincial student loans or grants through their province or territory of residence. UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales) is listed on the Government of Canada’s International Master List of Designated Educational Institutions, which allows eligible students to apply for financial support. Funding entitlements vary based on your province or territory, your program, and your individual financial circumstances.

At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device. We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.
 

Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track. You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.