Program Overview

Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

The Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics addresses the need for professionals in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. With the rapid expansion of the internet, cybercrime and malicious software deployments are on the increase. There is a need for security professionals who can protect assets and information by securing networks and computer systems. The Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics also develops skills in discovering and recording digital forensic evidence of crimes and malicious behaviour by extracting data from networks, hard drives, cell phones, and other digital devices.

Programme Details

• Programme code: AK1324
• Level: 9
• Points: 180
• Duration: 1.5 years full-time / part-time available
• Campus: City Campus
• Starts: 13 Jul 2026, 22 Feb 2027, 12 Jul 2027

Fees

• Domestic: $11,851.60 (for 120 points) ($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
• International: $46,221.60 (for 120 points) ($45,000 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee.
  • The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition.
  • Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences (or equivalent) with a B grade average in level 7 courses
• May be required to supply references and attend a selection interview

International Student Entry Requirements

• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

What You Study

The programme is primarily a mix of cybersecurity and digital forensics courses with some elective courses available.

• The programme is a mix of academic study and practical labs supported by workshop sessions.
• Dedicated specialist hardware and software is provided for you to use in these sessions and is available to you for the research component of the qualification.

Coursework Pathway

• Complete the following courses:
  • COMP844 Advanced Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (30 points)
  • COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
  • ENGE817 STEM Research Methods (15 points)
• And choose four from:
  • COMP816 Internet of Things and Applications (15 points)
  • COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
  • COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
  • COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
  • COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
  • COMP842 Applied Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (15 points)
  • COMP843 Advanced Forensics (30 points)
  • INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
  • INFS813 IT Strategy and Policy (15 points)
• And complete a dissertation (one semester):
  • COMP997 Dissertation (60 points)

Thesis Pathway

• Complete the following courses:
  • COMP844 Advanced Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (30 points)
  • COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
  • ENGE817 STEM Research Methods (15 points)
• And choose two from:
  • COMP816 Internet of Things and Applications (15 points)
  • COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
  • COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
  • COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
  • COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
  • COMP842 Applied Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (15 points)
  • COMP843 Advanced Forensics (30 points)
  • INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
  • INFS813 IT Strategy and Policy (15 points)
• And complete a thesis (two semesters):
  • COMP998 Thesis (90 points)

Career Opportunities

• Computer forensic and security specialist
• Computer forensic technician
• Corporate and business IT forensic and security personnel
• Forensic analyst
• Forensic technology investigator
• Forensic computer examiner
• Forensic computing specialist
• Electronic forensic investigator
• Independent IT forensic consultants
• Information security specialist
• Information system auditors
• Members of computer emergency response teams
• Members of high technology police units
• Network and IT system administrators
• Software developers and architects