Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 450030
- Program code 4427
- CRICOS code -
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $26,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- -
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
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Fees
Fees
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Guaranteed job post-graduation
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Immersive teaching
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Real-world application
The Australian Defence Force Academy
Combining teaching and research with military education
UNSW Canberra specialises in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all areas relating to military, strategic and defence studies. This means future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force can combine their military and leadership training with our world-class university programs and defence industry expertise.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
Overview
Launch your career in the dynamic field of cyber security with UNSW Canberra’s Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security. As digital threats become more complex, the need for skilled professionals who can safeguard our systems, data and networks is greater than ever. This degree equips you with in-demand technical skills and real-world experience to tackle these threats head-on, setting you on a path toward meaningful roles in government, industry, or the Australian Defence Force.
Designed to build market-ready graduates, the Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security covers the latest social and political issues in this dynamic sector while giving you a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics. Explore areas like application development, cyber-physical systems and digital forensics in depth. Plus, get hands-on experience tackling cyber threats in our state-of-the-art digital labs.
With a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security from UNSW Canberra, you’ll graduate with the problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills and practical experience to keep individuals, organisations and our nation secure from cyber threats.
Key features
World-class technology
Access state-of-the-art cyber training labs designed to simulate real-world digital threats. You’ll build practical skills in secure environments, preparing you to tackle complex challenges in critical areas like digital forensics, network security and cyber-physical systems.
Job-ready from day one
Graduate equipped for a high-impact career in national security, government, tech and consulting—whether as a cyber intelligence analyst, security consultant or within the Australian Defence Force – with a program specifically designed to build the attributes and skills that create market-ready graduates.
Capstone project with real impact
Apply your knowledge in a capstone team project that addresses real-world issues faced by the Australian Defence Force and civilian sectors. You’ll gain hands-on experience that showcases your expertise and demonstrates your ability to solve complex cyber security problems for future employers.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Direct pathway to Defence
With UNSW Canberra’s close connections to the Australian Defence Force, you’ll have a direct pathway into roles within the ADF and Defence industries, where you can use your skills to protect national security and advance Australia’s cyber capabilities.
Australia’s leading Defence university
UNSW Canberra is Australia’s leading university for Defence, strategic and cyber studies. With UNSW Canberra’s close ties to the Australian Defence Force, you’ll gain unique insights into cyber security’s role in national security.
Build your professional network
Benefit from UNSW Canberra’s extensive connections with government and industry leaders. These partnerships open doors to internships, networking and career opportunities, setting you up for success in both public and private sectors.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Additional Selection Criteria
Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Program structure
In the Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security program, you’ll study core areas in computing, mathematics and cyber security, gaining a strong foundation in topics like digital forensics, network security and cyber-physical systems.
This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing you to address real-world cyber challenges. Build your expertise in specialist areas like Cryptography, Computer Languages, Autonomous Robots and Deep Learning through electives. In your final year, you’ll complete a capstone project, applying your expertise to a real-world problem within Defence or civilian contexts.
Full program structure
The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security is a three-year full-time program. Students will complete 144 Units of Credit (UOC).
Level 1 Core Courses - 36 UOC
● Introduction to Programming
● Computer Games
● Introduction to Cyber-Security: Policy & Operations
● Mathematics 1A
● Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
● Computational Problem Solving
Level 2 Core Courses - 30 UOC
● Computer Technology
● Data Structures and Representation
● Computers and Security
● Systems Analysis and Design
● Fundamentals of Data Analysis
Level 3 Core Courses – 30 UOC
● Digital Forensics
● IT Project 1
● IT Project 2
● Web Development and Security
● Securing Networks
Discipline Electives – 24 UOC
● Project Management
● Logistics Management
● Cryptography
● Computer Languages and Algorithms
● Programming for Security
● Simulation
● Machine Learning
● Deep Learning
● Autonomous Robots
● Algorithms for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
● Digital Image Processing and Target Detection
● Introductory Business Ethics
● The Art and Science of Doing Geography
Free Electives - 12 UOC
General Education – 12 UOC
Choose one of the following:
● Introduction to Strategic Studies
● Strategy, Management and Leadership
One of the following:
● Law, Force and Legitimacy
● Introduction to Military Ethics
Future careers
Demand for skilled cyber security professionals in Australia is projected to double by 2030*, driven by a steep increase in cyber threats against people, businesses and the country. With a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security, you’ll be ready to step up and safeguard essential infrastructure, protecting organisations and advancing national security measures to defend against ever-evolving cyber threats.
*Australian Computer Society, 2024
Potential roles:
● Application Security Specialist
● Blockchain Developer
● Cloud Security Engineer
● Cyber Intelligence Analyst
● Cyber Security Analyst
● Cyber Security Consultant
● Cyber Security Engineer
● Cyber Security Incident Responder
● Data Protection Officer
● Digital Forensics Analyst
● Ethical Hacker
● Forensic Computer Analyst
● Information Security Analyst
● Information Security Officer
● IT Security Analyst
● Malware Analyst
● Network Security Analyst
● Penetration Tester
● Security Architect
● Threat Intelligence Analyst
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.
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