Master of Cyber Security Operations (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 8629
- CRICOS code -
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $39,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $49,000*
Fees
Fees
-
One year full-time
-
Broad electives
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Fully online
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Take on leadership roles in one of the world’s most critical and fast-growing industries with UNSW Canberra’s Master of Cyber Security Operations. As cyber criminals develop new ways to find and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, governments and organisations worldwide are relying on cyber security experts to safeguard networks and systems from sophisticated cyber threats.
This degree will equip you with the technical expertise to remain one step ahead in an evolving digital landscape, driving innovation and shaping the future of cyber security. You’ll gain the skills to lead teams to secure sensitive data and build resilient security strategies. Hands-on learning in UNSW Canberra’s Cyber Range will give you real-world experience, so you’re ready to defend against cyber attacks and address emerging security challenges.
Whether advancing your current career or starting a new path, this degree will position you as a key player in the protection of vital digital infrastructure across government and industry.
Key features
Real-world cyber security experience
Develop hands-on skills in UNSW Canberra's state-of-the-art Cyber Range, featuring a Digital Forensics Lab and virtual environments that simulate cyber attacks. You’ll learn to tackle live cyber threats and defend critical networks in high-stakes environments.
Flexible learning and support
Balance your studies with work, family and other commitments. The program is offered exclusively online, complemented by an online learning platform that allows you to receive support from your teachers and fellow students.
Fast-track to leadership
Graduate ready to take on C-Suite roles with advanced technical and managerial skills. You’ll be equipped to lead complex cyber security operations, protect vital government and business assets, and shape the future of digital security.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Cutting-edge cyber security facilities
UNSW Canberra is home to the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCyber), giving you access to cutting-edge environments like the Cyber Range and Digital Forensics Lab. You’ll get hands-on experience in real-world scenarios, preparing you to tackle the most advanced cyber threats.
Industry-connected learning
Benefit from UNSW's strong links to government, Defence and industry. You’ll gain insights from experts at the forefront of cyber security, giving you a competitive edge and positioning you to lead in this high-demand field.
Flexible pathways to success
With a mix of online learning and immersive face-to-face components, this postgraduate degree fits around your life. Whether you're looking to accelerate your current career or shift into cyber security, UNSW offers the flexibility and support to help you achieve your goals.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
Program structure
The Master of Cyber Security Operations program at UNSW Canberra is delivered by the School of Engineering and Information Technology. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC), made up of four core courses and four elective courses.
You’ll study a mix of core and elective courses designed to build both technical and managerial expertise in cyber security operations. You'll learn to identify vulnerabilities, manage cyber threats and develop security strategies. The program also offers opportunities to undertake a research project, allowing you to dive deeper into areas of specialisation.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students must complete:
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- Cyber Crime and Cyber Security
- Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition
- Information Assurance Principles
- Cyber Security Risk Management
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- US Cyber Policy and Information Security
- Intrusion Analysis and Response
- Cyber Offence: Threats and Opportunities
- Software Security Lifecycle
- Reverse Engineering
- Cyber Defence: Network Security Operations
- Critical Infrastructure and Control System Security
- Digital Forensics
- Mobile Network and Memory Forensics
- Big Data and Decision Analytics for Security
- Cyber Terrorism
- Cyber and the Law
- Human Factors and the Technological Interface
- Understanding Social-Technical Systems: Ideas, Spaces and Cultures
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- Cyber Operations
- Information Operations
- Internetworking
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Applied Machine Learning
- Cyber-Security and World Politics
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- Project Report - Cyber Security (Part-Time)
- Project Report - Cyber Security (Full-Time)
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Cyber Security Operations are poised for leadership roles in a rapidly growing industry. As cyber threats evolve, organisations increasingly seek skilled professionals to safeguard critical systems. You’ll be prepared for high-demand roles like Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Security Manager and Risk Manager, leading teams to protect sensitive data and drive cyber security strategies in both government and industry.
Potential roles
- Application Security Analyst
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Cyber Defence Analyst
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Incident Responder
- Cyber Security Manager
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- IT Security Administrator
- IT Security Architect
- IT Security Specialist
- Malware Analyst
- Network Security Administrator
- Network Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- Vulnerability Analyst
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*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. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
