Master of Applied Cyber Security
Develop technical and business strategic skills to manage cyber security implementation.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Online
Course overview
This course will provide you with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of relevant topics and technology pertaining to threats detection, risk analytics, data security, incident response, privacy protection, security audit and compliance, using innovative technologies from leading vendors like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and IBM.
Core and elective subjects will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills to analyse, inspect and prevent cyber risks by adopting new practices and policies, in various sectors including e-commerce, banking, digital health, education, food and agriculture. Capstone projects in privacy, security, trust, analytics and/or data management, incorporate elements of management and leadership to further develop your understanding of technical and business principles.
Subjects within this course are associated with the AWS cloud online virtual software platform, preparing you for AWS Certification.
The course aligns with International Cybersecurity Data Mining Competition and aligns with current industry trends through an advisory board of Australian industry leaders.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Information Technology
Course co-ordinator
Shaoning Pang
Career paths
Professional recognition
This program holds Professional Level accreditation with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa.
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Networking and Security (Masters)15 credit pointsITECH5102
- Foundations of Programming (Masters)15 credit pointsITECH5104
- The Data-Driven Professional15 credit pointsITECH5207
- Introduction To Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices15 credit pointsITECH7611
- Professional Research and Communication15 credit pointsITECH5500
- Leadership in IT Project Management15 credit pointsITECH7401
- Electronic Commerce Security15 credit pointsITECH7607
- Network Operating Systems and AWS Cloud15 credit pointsITECH7624
- Masters Project 115 credit pointsITECH7416
- Data Analytics for Cyber Threat Intelligence15 credit pointsITECH7614
- Co-Operative Placement (Information Technology)30 credit pointsCOOPI9011
- Masters Project 215 credit pointsITECH7417
- Cyber Risk and Incident Management15 credit pointsITECH7615
- Privacy and Trust15 credit pointsITECH7620
Elective
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
The entry requirement is successful completion of a degree that is the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, not necessarily in an IT-related discipline. The applicant's entire academic record and industry job experience can be taken into consideration when assessing eligibility for the course.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- CQ9
Graduates, who have completed high quality research projects, will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills by enrolling in a PhD course.
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Gour Karmakar and I am the Associate Professor in Information Technology and Program Coordinator of Bachelor of IT Gippsland and Networking and Security stream at Federation University. My favourite part of this program is that it comprises contemporary and in-demand courses and streams such as Business Information Systems, Big Data, Analytics, Networking and Security and Software Development. They enable students to get highly paid jobs such as data scientist, cyber security and networking specialist, software engineer and business analyst. The program not only focuses the development of theoretical knowledge but also underpins on hands-on experience and contemporary tools. Using contemporary tools they equip students with sufficient knowledge and technical foundational skill to apply in different business context. What makes our program different from other universities is that we are collaborating with industry to embed co-op education, that is co-design, co-delivery and co-assessment of the courses. Besides, authentic assessment is the bedrock of this program. The coordination of co-operation is also mapping the courses to relevant vendor certification which help students become job ready and secure great job. Fun fact, that I occasionally write poetry and like walking in the morning. So please study this course and join Federation University.