We noticed you have an international phone number
Please note that students studying UNSW Online programs are not eligible for an Australian Student Visa or Temporary Graduate Visa. You are welcome to study online from your home country
Please select a field which you have completed your bachelor.
Build your cyber mindset to secure your future.
Leave your details and we will call you back with information on your preferred program.
Cybercrime is on the rise, with Australians reporting cyber security incidents every 10 minutes, and costing businesses $29 billion each year¹. Consequently, there’s an increased demand for cyber security specialists to develop systems that offer safety and security for businesses and everyday Australians who are reliant on digital platforms. The industry is expected to almost triple in size by 2026² and requires an estimated 16,600 additional professionals in both technical and non-technical cyber security positions³.
The Cyber Security program is designed for ambitious professionals who want to become technical experts or leaders and leverage lucrative career opportunities within the field of cyber. The skills you develop in this program will help you provide safe and secure online experiences, often to some of the most vulnerable online users. Select from either the Security Management and Leadership specialisation or Security Engineering specialisation within this program to further develop your expertise and diversify your career options.
¹Agilient, 2019
²AustCyber, Meeting Demand for Cyber Security Expertise, 2018
³AustCyber, Sector Competitiveness Plan, 2019
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 Engineering is Australia’s leading engineering faculty and a powerhouse of innovation. It’s home to more than 800 researchers and educators, including expertise across 36 research centres and three institutes, translating research into real-world solutions with businesses, government, and community organisations.
2 years
12 courses
January, March, May, July, Sept and October
100% Online
8649
Completion time dependent on individual study path, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.
The Cyber Security program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both the current state and future directions of cyber security. Choose a specialisation to deepen you cyber expertise according to your goals and interests.
Security Engineering
Build deep technical cyber skill and become a hands-on defender. You will gain in core technical foundations, learn to identify, exploit and remediate vulnerabilities and demonstrate hands-on capability in cyber security.
Security Management & Leadership
Lead, govern and strategise cyber security across organisations. Master governance, risk management and resilience, understand how to shape security policy, compliance frameworks, and organisational resilience.
The program is offered 100% online and accelerated, meaning you can study anywhere at any time, and graduate in as little as 2 years without taking time out of the workforce.
To find out more about each course download the program guide
Looking to expand your career opportunities in a booming industry? The online Master of Cyber Security from UNSW will equip you with the specialist skills to become a technical expert or leader in cyber security.
Download your program guide to find out more about how the Master of Cyber Security can align with your career aspirations to prepare you for a successful and diverse career.
Explore our blogs to discover valuable insights on thriving in Australia's cyber security sector.
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.
We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments.
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.
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.
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. 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.
You must complete all 3 core courses + 1 specialisation + up to 3 electives + 1 Capstone Project.
You must complete at least 4 courses (24 Units of Credit) from the below list:
You must complete 4 courses (24 Units of Credit) from the below list:
You must take 6 Units of Credit of the following course. 48 UOC must be completed before enrolling into the Capstone Project.
You must complete at least 4 courses (24 Units of Credit) from the below list:
You must complete 4 courses (24 Units of Credit) from the below list:
You must take 6 Units of Credit of the following course. 48 UOC must be completed before enrolling into the Capstone Project.
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.
*ZZENES Security Engineering cognate disciplines may include science, engineering and other degrees with substantial computing, mathematics and/or statistics courses.
Should you choose to pursue a Master of Cyber Security upon the successful completion of your Graduate Diploma, the following prerequisites must be considered:
Prefer to learn more about technological disruptions to finance?
Perhaps a Master of Financial Technology is for you.
With a master’s in cybersecurity, graduates can pursue roles like cybersecurity analyst, security architect, penetration tester or incident response specialist. They might also explore leadership positions such as chief information security officer (CISO) or specialise in areas like cloud security, application security or digital forensics, working across industries like finance, defence, healthcare and tech sectors.
Security Engineering equips you with both foundational theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills. You’ll learn to effectively communicate security recommendations, develop technical coding and analytical abilities, and undertake an exploratory project in Cyber Security.
Meanwhile, Security Management is perfect for those drawn to strategy, risk mitigation and governance leadership. Your career goals will determine which suits you better.
Yes. If you don’t have a background or degree in IT or mathematics, we recommend beginning with our Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security. This program is designed to help you develop strong foundational skills and set you up for success in more advanced courses.
The program is designed for working professionals. You can finish in two years by taking one course per hexamester, with approximately 15–20 study hours per week. You can also take breaks or adjust your pace as needed
As an online UNSW student, you’ll receive personalised, one-on-one support tailored to your needs, along with access to a range of study resources. You’ll stay connected with a dedicated Student Success Advisor for non-academic queries and facilitators who’ll help you stay on track and excel in your coursework. Want to learn more? Visit studyonline.unsw.edu.au/study-online.
The Master of Cyber Security includes 12 online courses, offering specialisations in Security Management and Leadership or Security Engineering. It features four core courses, at least four specialisation courses, electives and a capstone project.
You may qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can help lower both your study workload and tuition costs. Eligibility for RPL is determined by any relevant postgraduate studies you've completed within the past 10 years. To apply, you'll need to provide your academic transcripts and work history for assessment with your application. For more details, contact an Enrolment Advisor.
Each course typically requires 15–20 hours per week. This includes lectures, assignments and self-paced study, allowing you to manage your workload around a full-time job.
With six intakes per year in January, March, May, July, September and October, you will not need to wait long to begin. Apply by the relevant cut-off date to secure your spot. Check out our key dates calendar for more information.
No, studying with UNSW Online does not make you eligible for a student visa, as all programs are delivered 100% online and can be completed from anywhere in the world. To be eligible for a student visa, you must enrol in an on-campus program that meets the visa requirements for studying in Australia.
No, you can study entirely online from your home country. UNSW Online programs are designed for flexible learning and do not require you to be in Australia. This means you don’t need a student visa to apply.
Yes, international students can apply for UNSW Online programs, provided they meet the entry requirements. A student visa is not required or will be issued.
Yes, a Master’s in Cyber Security is worth it for those looking to advance or transition into this high-demand field. As cyber threats increase, organisations are seeking skilled professionals to protect their systems and data, making advanced postgraduate studies a valuable investment. With strong job growth, competitive salaries and opportunities across all industries, it is a rewarding career path.
Courses like the Online Master of Cyber Security from UNSW provides you with advanced knowledge in areas like network security, ethical hacking and risk management. It prepares you for roles such as:
Mastering cybersecurity can be challenging, as it requires a mix of technical skills, problem-solving abilities and continuous learning to keep pace with evolving threats. You will need to understand complex topics like encryption, network security, ethical hacking and risk management.
However, with dedication and the right education, it is an achievable goal. A graduate certificate in cyber security can provide a strong foundation, while a master of cyber security offers deeper expertise. There are many flexible cyber security courses available, including online cyber security courses, that allow you to build skills around your commitments. Many find the field rewarding due to its dynamic nature, high demand for professionals with a cyber security certificate, and the opportunity to make a significant impact protecting organisations and individuals.
The best master’s degree in cyber security is one that matches your career goals and offers strong industry relevance. Look for programs with practical technical depth, specialisation options, flexibility and clear pathways into your desired roles.
When comparing programs, consider technical depth, specialisation options, industry alignment, flexibility, career outcomes and entry pathways.
These criteria help you compare programs and choose the best fit for your goals.
The UNSW Master of Cyber Security is a strong example, with specialised streams in Security Engineering and Security Management, and a focus on practical, industry-aligned training.
A Master of Information Technology offers a broad education in skills like software development, networking and data analytics, preparing you for versatile roles across the tech industry.
In contrast, a Master of Cyber Security is a specialised program focused on protecting systems and data from digital threats. You'll concentrate on areas like ethical hacking and risk management to prepare for roles such as a Cyber Security Analyst or Security Engineer.
Essentially, an IT program provides a wider scope, while a cyber security course offers deep, specialised expertise.
To qualify for the Master of Cyber Security at UNSW Online, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
Relevant Disciplines for the Bachelor’s Degree Pathway:
These flexible pathways are designed to accommodate applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
The best field in cyber security depends entirely on your interests and career goals, as the industry offers a variety of specialised areas. Some of the most in-demand and rewarding fields include:
Each field offers unique challenges and opportunities. A program like the UNSW Online Master of Cyber Security can prepare you for these technical, strategic and investigative roles, allowing you to build the specific expertise you need to succeed.
To find the best university for cyber security in Australia, look for programs that combine rigorous technical training with real-world application. Strong partnerships with defence and government sectors also indicate a curriculum designed to meet the highest standards and industry needs.
A strong example is UNSW, recognised as a leader in cyber security. The Master of Cyber Security, delivered 100% online, offers specialised streams in Security Engineering and Security Management, allowing you to shape your studies around your career goals.
A standout feature is UNSW’s partnership with the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). The curriculum, developed with ADFA cyber security trainers, delivers defence-aligned practical training and academic rigour, preparing you for the roles employers value most in a rapidly evolving field.
Yes, cyber security is considered a highly skilled profession in Australia. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, there is a critical demand for professionals who can protect organisations and essential infrastructure.
Roles like Cyber Security Analyst, Security Engineer and Chief Information Security Officer require specialised skills in areas such as ethical hacking, risk management and network security. The Australian government has identified cyber security as a priority, which means you can expect strong job prospects, competitive salaries and significant opportunities for career growth.
Skilled professionals in this field are in high demand across all industries, making a cyber security career a rewarding and future-proof choice.
In Australia, cyber security programs that combine technical expertise with industry relevance are in high demand.
The Master of Cyber Security at UNSW Online is a standout choice, designed to meet the needs of this rapidly growing field. This program offers two specialised streams – Security Engineering and Security Management – allowing you to tailor your learning to your career goals.
An 100% online cyber security course, it provides the flexibility to upskill while balancing work and other commitments. With a focus on practical, real-world applications and strong industry alignment, our program equips graduates with the skills employers are actively seeking in Australia’s cyber security market.
Investing in the right program for you is important to us and we’re here to help. Simply send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that works for you.
We will assist you with:
For more detailed and up-to-date information about your degree, including:
Privacy Policy | Copyright & Disclaimers | Accessibility
Authorised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Division of External Relations, UNSW CRICOS Provider Code 00098G, ABN 57 195 873 179
people downloaded a program guide in the last 24 hours.
