Master of Cyber Security
Overview
Study our Master of Cyber Security and go beyond traditional thinking.
We bring together students from technology, business, mathematics, social science and law to offer an integrated learning experience, unique to UQ.
This is a new degree for a new kind of professional, aligned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s internationally-recognised Cyber Security Education framework, taught by leading academics and industry professionals, with a truly inter-disciplinary approach to the field.
You will develop an understanding of the global cyber security landscape, informed by industry and government experts, to find better ways to defend, adapt and lead for a resilient, more productive digital world. Wherever you’re positioned in your career, you’ll look at the field from a different angle, ask bigger questions, and find new and exciting ways to meet the security challenges of the future.
An inter-disciplinary approach
It’s estimated that Australia will need an additional 18,000 cyber security professionals by 2026, so in partnership with industry experts, UQ has developed the first program to genuinely address the interdisciplinary nature of this field, while meeting the need for deep technical specialisation in core areas.
Research or industry based capstone
Research and industry capstone allows students to tackle a significant topic in their discipline of choice, improving their workforce readiness. With flexibility to undertake a research activity within the university or a research-based project as part of an optional work placement, diverse post-program career pathways are opened as industry or research-based professionals.
Program highlights
- Study specialised topics such as cryptography, cyber criminology, cyber defence and leadership.
- Gain integrated learning experience and advance your professional network.
- Undertake an industry or research-based project to improve your workforce readiness.
- Acquire a global perspective on cyber security and information security fundamentals.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Laboratory work
- Seminars
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- Information Security Essentials
- Cyber Security Governance, Policy, Ethics and Law
- Cyber Warfare, Global Security and Regulation
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Diplomat
- Policy adviser
- Cyber insurance adviser and provider
- IT auditor
- Cryptanalyst
- Cryptographer
- High tech crime unit police officer
- Digital forensics specialist
- Cyber security analyst
- Cyber criminologist
Mid-career salary
Cyber Secuity Analyst
payscale.com
Mid-career salary
Cyber Security Engineer
payscale.com
Next steps after graduation
- The Australian Cyber Security Market is predicted to triple in size by 2026.
- Cyber security specialist was the #2 emerging job of 2020. (LinkedIn 2020 Emerging Jobs Report)
“Benefit from close industry ties and a breadth and depth of learning that no other cyber security university course in Australia offers. Students will spend a large portion of their studies on the job, embedded in industry and gaining experience in applying their new knowledge to tackle real and emerging cyber security threats.”
Professor Ryan KoProgram Coordinator, Master of Cyber Security
“There is a lack of professionals available that meet industry need for both depth and breadth of cyber security knowledge, problem solving and at least some devops skills. Experience and specific skills can be acquired on the job, however, job applicants with a solid knowledge of cyber security are naturally at an advantage.”
Mike HolmOperations Manager, AusCERT
“Viewing cyber security in the interdisciplinary way UQ is will give it life – it’s relevant, it’s hitting areas of high demand and it helps to develop a worldwide community of highly trained and trusted professionals who can rapidly respond to new threats and problems.”
Professor Corey SchouCyber Security Pioneer
“Benefit from close industry ties and a breadth and depth of learning that no other cyber security university course in Australia offers. Students will spend a large portion of their studies on the job, embedded in industry and gaining experience in applying their new knowledge to tackle real and emerging cyber security threats.”
Professor Ryan KoProgram Coordinator, Master of Cyber Security
“There is a lack of professionals available that meet industry need for both depth and breadth of cyber security knowledge, problem solving and at least some devops skills. Experience and specific skills can be acquired on the job, however, job applicants with a solid knowledge of cyber security are naturally at an advantage.”
Mike HolmOperations Manager, AusCERT
“Viewing cyber security in the interdisciplinary way UQ is will give it life – it’s relevant, it’s hitting areas of high demand and it helps to develop a worldwide community of highly trained and trusted professionals who can rapidly respond to new threats and problems.”
Professor Corey SchouCyber Security Pioneer
Events
See all events
18 July - 18 July
Get ready for Semester 2 – studying online
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Anita Parbhakar-Fox
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from CSIRO’s Dr Sue Keay
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo
Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Anita Parbhakar-Fox
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from CSIRO’s Dr Sue Keay
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
an approved Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant area of study with a GPA of at least 5.0 on a 7 point scale.
A relevant area of study for a field in:
- Cyber Defence is a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics or Software Engineering.
- Cyber Criminology is a degree in Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice or Crime Science.
- Cryptography is a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Actuarial Science or Information Technology.
- Leadership is a degree in Commerce, Management, Business, Accounting, Information Technology, Computer Science, Leadership. In addition applicants must minimum of 5 years of supervisory/management experience. This may include, but is not limited to: managing a team of people, managing client accounts, the managerial components of any major projects, resource planning, direct responsibility for financial delegations.
Prerequisites
an approved Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant area of study with a GPA of at least 5.0 on a 7 point scale.
A relevant area of study for a field in:
- Cyber Defence is a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics or Software Engineering.
- Cyber Criminology is a degree in Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice or Crime Science.
- Cryptography is a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Actuarial Science or Information Technology.
- Leadership is a degree in Commerce, Management, Business, Accounting, Information Technology, Computer Science, Leadership. In addition applicants must minimum of 5 years of supervisory/management experience. This may include, but is not limited to: managing a team of people, managing client accounts, the managerial components of any major projects, resource planning, direct responsibility for financial delegations.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Cyber Security are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Cryptography
Driven and taught by some of the brightest researchers in the industry, you’ll apply theory to real-world systems, as well as undertake internships or research projects with leading Australian companies and government agencies.
You'll learn how to:
- Conceptualise, design, and build secure IT systems
- Expertly review and evaluate cyber security information
Cyber Criminology
What motivates cyber criminals? The more we interrogate this question, the better we can manage and get ahead of cyber threats.
Whether you’re looking to upskill or re-stream into the cyber industry, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to make your mark in intelligence, law enforcement or security in either management, investigative or threat analysis roles.
You'll learn how to:
- Expertly review and evaluate cyber security information
- Collect, process, analyse, and present information to develop intelligence
Cyber Defence
Learn what it takes to protect systems, data, organisations and people against a variety of cyber-attacks.
A number of our courses are taught by world-renowned AusCERT experts. And as many of our staff have research connections all around the world – from Singapore, Japan and Taiwan, to NZ, Switzerland, Germany and the USA – we can set you up with opportunities to collaborate with leading minds.
You'll learn how to:
- Conceptualise, design, and build secure IT systems.
- Identify, analyse, and prevent cyber threats to an organisation.
Leadership
In an industry like cyber security, rapid change is inevitable. And as we continue to find new ways to defend, adapt to and get ahead of threats, the need for strong and innovative leadership is essential.
By studying the strengths and weakness of different leadership styles, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to implement projects, engage and inspire technical teams, and ultimately, create safer environments.
You'll learn how to:
- Provide leadership and advocacy to conduct effective cyber security.
- Investigate, review, and evaluate cyber events and cyber crimes.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Cryptography
Driven and taught by some of the brightest researchers in the industry, you’ll apply theory to real-world systems, as well as undertake internships or research projects with leading Australian companies and government agencies.
You'll learn how to:
- Conceptualise, design, and build secure IT systems
- Expertly review and evaluate cyber security information
Cyber Criminology
What motivates cyber criminals? The more we interrogate this question, the better we can manage and get ahead of cyber threats.
Whether you’re looking to upskill or re-stream into the cyber industry, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to make your mark in intelligence, law enforcement or security in either management, investigative or threat analysis roles.
You'll learn how to:
- Expertly review and evaluate cyber security information
- Collect, process, analyse, and present information to develop intelligence
Cyber Defence
Learn what it takes to protect systems, data, organisations and people against a variety of cyber-attacks.
A number of our courses are taught by world-renowned AusCERT experts. And as many of our staff have research connections all around the world – from Singapore, Japan and Taiwan, to NZ, Switzerland, Germany and the USA – we can set you up with opportunities to collaborate with leading minds.
You'll learn how to:
- Conceptualise, design, and build secure IT systems.
- Identify, analyse, and prevent cyber threats to an organisation.
Leadership
In an industry like cyber security, rapid change is inevitable. And as we continue to find new ways to defend, adapt to and get ahead of threats, the need for strong and innovative leadership is essential.
By studying the strengths and weakness of different leadership styles, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to implement projects, engage and inspire technical teams, and ultimately, create safer environments.
You'll learn how to:
- Provide leadership and advocacy to conduct effective cyber security.
- Investigate, review, and evaluate cyber events and cyber crimes.
Fees and Scholarships
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $45,120
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Cyber Security for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Cyber Security pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $36,120
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Cyber Security at 2020 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program.
Fees may be higher in later years as all fees are reviewed annually.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are offered for this program on the basis of academic merit. Once all CSPs have been exhausted, offers may be made on a tuition fee paying basis.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Cyber Security is 5256.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Cyber Security is 5256.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest in the Master of Cyber Security and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.