Master of Cyber Security

Program Overview

The Master of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra equips students with advanced cybersecurity skills through a combination of core courses, electives, and practical exercises. The program utilizes the UNSW Canberra Cyber Range, providing students with hands-on experience in detecting, analyzing, and confronting cyber threats. Graduates are prepared for careers as cybersecurity specialists, network security experts, and digital forensic investigators, among others.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra is designed to provide students with the tools and techniques required to detect, analyze, and confront cyber challenges.
It is informed by global best practices and cutting-edge research.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with detailed cybersecurity technical skills and expertise, incorporating principles from information systems, systems engineering, computer science, network security, and defense.
• Program Description: The program is offered primarily via Intensive Delivery Mode due to the nature of the courses and the use of training facilities at UNSW Canberra Cyber.
The Cyber Range includes a digital forensics lab and virtual learning environments where students learn to identify and manage cyber threats.

Outline:

• Program Structure: Students must complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC) by completing eight 6-UOC courses from a list provided in the UNSW Handbook.
• Core Courses: Four core courses are required:
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Information Systems Security Risk Management
• Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
• Cyber Security Incident Response and Recovery
• Elective Courses: Four elective courses are required.
Not all elective courses will be available in a particular year. Students may choose from a range of options, including:
• Advanced Penetration Testing
• Cloud Security
• Digital Forensics
• Identity and Access Management
• Network Security
• Specializations: Students may choose to complete a generalist Master of Cyber Security or specialize in Digital Forensics or Advanced Tradecraft.
• Research Project: With approval from the Program Coordinator, students with a high distinction average in four courses may complete a 12-UOC research project in lieu of two elective courses.
• External Electives: Students may take up to two elective courses (12 UOC) from other coursework programs with the approval of the Program Coordinator.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Assessment methods may vary depending on the course and may include:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Projects
• Assessment Criteria: Assessment criteria will be based on the learning outcomes of each course and may include:
• Knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity concepts
• Ability to apply cybersecurity techniques
• Communication and problem-solving skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical exercises.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals.
• Unique Approaches: The program utilizes the UNSW Canberra Cyber Range, which provides students with access to real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Master of Cyber Security program may pursue careers in:
• Cybersecurity specialist, analyst, or architect
• Network security specialist
• Digital Forensic investigator (Forensics stream only)
• Intrusion detection specialist (Advance tradecraft only)
• Cyber security incident responder (Advance tradecraft only)
• Penetration Tester (Advance tradecraft only)