Bachelor of Cyber Security (Sydney)

Australia's #1 Engineering & Technology Faculty

This degree is for domestic students only

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Combat cybercrime with a Bachelor of Cyber Security from UNSW Engineering. Develop technical skills and understand the human factors impacting security. Learn to design secure systems, analyse failures, and navigate ethical and legal aspects. Set yourself up for career success with hands-on experience and industry connections.

Commencing Terms: Term 1
Duration: 3 years (F/T)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: UAC code 425860; Program code 3777; CRICOS code -

ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank: 90.0
2024 Indicative first year full fee: $9,000
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $27,000
2024 Indicative first year full fee: -
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree: -

In-demand skills
Industry-leading program
Hands-on learning

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Overview

Protect people and businesses against cybercrime with a Bachelor of Cyber Security from Australia’s number one Engineering and Technology faculty*. Develop a unique blend of technical skills with an emphasis on human factors that impact cyber security.

Cybercrime is rising rapidly around the world, with hundreds of millions of dollars being lost as a result every year. Forty-seven percent of Australian computer users respondents experienced at least one cybercrime in 2023, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology, with nearly half of all victims experiencing more than one type of cybercrime.

In this program, you'll learn how to safeguard against cyber threats. Gain skills in designing secure systems, networks and data platforms using industry-standard technologies. Discover how human behaviour affects security and learn to analyse security failures. Plus, you'll learn about the ethical and legal aspects of cyber security, including data privacy laws.

With a Bachelor of Cyber Security from UNSW Sydney, you’ll be equipped with the skills to meet the growing demand for cyber security professionals and be prepared for a career in a fast-moving field.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024}

Key features

Flexible learning with real-world experience
With a mix of online, in-person, laboratory and real-world projects you'll gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. You’ll gain hands-on experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities with industry partners to help you kickstart your career in cyber security.

Pathway to future employment
This degree addresses real-world skill shortages. You'll engage with industry fellows and adjuncts to build employability skills and industry networks throughout your studies.

Learn from the best in cyber security
Benefit from the expertise of leading academics in cyber security at UNSW. Leverage our strong relationships with industry partners and our significant expertise in the field, including a dedicated team of cyber security specialists.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Top-ranked Computer Science & Engineering School
UNSW's School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is one of Australia's largest and most prestigious schools. CSE is part of the Faculty of Engineering, which is ranked 1st in Australia for engineering and technology and 31st in the world*.

Australia's top university for graduate employability
Stand out with a Cyber Security degree from Australia’s top university for graduate employability**, offering the best career outcomes^ in the country. For more than 20 years, CSE has built a national reputation for excellence in cyber security education. Our alumni hold senior and leadership roles in the cyber industry, and our undergraduate students have won every major inter-university cyber competition in the past decade.

World-leading cyber security research
Our teaching is informed by the latest research and emerging cyber security technologies. The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCYBER) brings together over 100 leading academics and is renowned for its multi-disciplinary approach to cyber security and collaboration with government and industry. CSE is home to world-leading researchers, including Professor Richard Buckland, a renowned expert in Cyber Crime.

^{*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

**Most employable students for five years in a row - AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

^Australia's best university for career outcomes in AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2023.}

Program Code

3777

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

425860

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

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Entry requirements

The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Sydney) will launch in Term 1 2025 for domestic applicants and therefore, no prior Admissions information is available.

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.
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.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1

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

This degree is eligible for admission through our Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Complete a submission to demonstrate your passion and performance in relevant subjects. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement.

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:

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.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Adjustment Factors

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.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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 English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Sydney is led by the School of Computer Science and Engineering. The program covers both practical and theoretical aspects, teaching students how to approach security from both attack and defence perspectives with an engineering mindset.

Students will study core courses including introductory courses designed to build foundational knowledge in key areas such as programming and computer systems, as well as workshops where students will apply their cyber security and computing knowledge to practical challenges. Choose from a range of Cyber Security electives to further build your disciplinary knowledge, complemented by free electives and general education courses.

Full program structure

This program contains a total of 144 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 3 years of full-time study. Most courses are 6 UOC. Students must complete:

Foundations of Cyber Security

Programming Fundamentals

Computer Systems Fundamentals

Human Centric Security

Data Structures and Algorithms

Professional Issues and Ethics in IT

Cyber Security Workshop 1 - Penetration Testing

Cyber Security Workshop 2 – Defence

Cyber Security Workshop 3 – Capstone

Discrete Mathematics
Algorithm Design and Analysis

Web Application Security and Testing

Digital Forensics

Extended Algorithm Design and Analysis

Extended Web Application Security and Testing

Extended Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Psychology 1A

Psychology 1B
Cloud Security

System and Software Security Assessment

Applied Cryptography

Privacy Engineering

Software Security Analysis

Information, Codes and Ciphers

Cyber Security Project

Cyber Security Project B

Security Engineering Masterclass

Psychology 1A

Psychology 1B

Algorithm Design and Analysis or Extended Algorithm Design and Analysis

Web Application Security and Testing or Extended Web Application Security and Testing

Digital Forensics or Extended Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Students must take 36 UOC of Free Electives. These can include COMP courses and/or non-COMP courses. Students may also take additional Cyber Electives to count towards their Free Electives requirement.
Students must complete 12 UOC of General Education Courses. These help broaden your education by completing two courses outside the Engineering faculty, strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills. Please note that MATH and DATA courses do not meet the requirements of General Education for this program.

Go to the handbook

Download sample program

Future careers

Career opportunities in cyber security are rapidly expanding, with demand expected to reach 51,100 workers by 2026, according to the Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan. Since 2016, jobs for cyber security professionals have grown by an average of 24.6% each year*. There is an increasing need for experts in cyber defence across primary industries, SMEs, Commonwealth agencies and departments, and indeed any large organisation that cares about data security, to counter the rising number of cyber-attacks.

Potential roles

Cryptography Engineer
Cyber Defense Incident Responder
Cyber Forensics Analyst
Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber Security Architect
Cyber Security Engineer
Cyber Security Specialist
Data Privacy Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Security Engineer
Software Engineer
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst

^{*Lightcast Labour Insights}

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.

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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.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

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Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$9,000

2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$27,000

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.

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.

Featured scholarships

Women in Engineering Scholarships

UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Engineering Rural Scholarship

The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Explore Scholarships

Top 20

Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

Most

Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

Leading

Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The engineering analytic and problem-solving mindset taught by UNSW Engineering is highly desired skillset.

Robert Makepeace

Alumni