Cyber Security
Defend against cyber threats and shape a more secure future
Join one of Australia's fastest growing sectors
Our world relies on digital systems to run smoothly. Communication networks, databases and software programs are essential for businesses, governments and other organisations to operate effectively. When you combine that with personal use – from social media to online banking – the amount of data being produced, shared and stored is growing every day. Unfortunately, so too are the risks.
As a result, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals has never been higher. With major security breaches dominating the news cycle, the world needs informed, proactive individuals with the expertise to secure and protect people and their data from cyber security threats.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks and data from digital attacks. It involves implementing measures to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches and other threats to information security. A successful cyber security approach includes multiple layers of protection across people, processes and technology.
Cyber security professionals design secure infrastructures, analyse vulnerabilities and respond to incidents – all while navigating the legal and ethical challenges that accompany data protection. They’re responsible for preventing and resolving threats, such as hacking, identity theft, cyberstalking and planting malware that could lead to data leaks, financial loss or even risks to national security.
Why study Cyber Security?
Today, cybercrime is escalating at an unprecedented rate. The field of cyber security is critical for safeguarding sensitive information in every industry, but particularly pertinent to finance, telecommunications, healthcare, government and defence.
Our cyber security courses will train you to develop new technological and managerial approaches to cyber security and data protection. You’ll gain a holistic understanding of the forces that influence cyber security and data protection for modern businesses, focusing on the intersection of people, processes and technology.
You’ll explore the current threats to data and learn the latest technological and managerial approaches for cyber resilience while applying your learning to real-world business challenges. You’ll graduate with the conceptual understanding and practical experience needed to drive innovative solutions for the organisations you work for.
Careers in Cyber Security
The public and private sectors are bursting with cyber security jobs across a range of functions, each with attractive salaries and potential for swift advancement into management positions. And with the Australian Government recently announcing its strategic plan to become a global leader in cyber security by 2030, the sector will continue to grow.
Cyber security jobs range from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), C-level executives considered the ultimate data protection experts in their businesses or organisations, to Cyber Crime Investigators who work with the Australian Federal Police to help defend against threats to Australia's security and economy.
Cyber security roles
- Cryptography Engineer
- Cyber Defence 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
Organisations
- Consulting firms, such as Deloitte
- Financial institutions, such as the Commonwealth Bank
- Government bodies, such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre
- Telecommunications companies, such as Telstra
- Large retailers, such as Woolworths Group
- Any medium to large organisation that cares about data security
Why study Cyber Security at UNSW?
UNSW is at the forefront of cyber security education and research, offering an industry-focused curriculum supported by strong partnerships with leading organisations.
Australia’s #1 faculty for Engineering and Technology
UNSW Engineering is ranked #1 in Australia and 31st in the world*, while our School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious schools.
Home to Australia’s most employable graduates
UNSW is Australia’s top university for graduate employability**, with extensive industry connections that help you build a successful career.
Cutting-edge cyber security research and teaching
You’ll learn from experts involved in groundbreaking research at the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCYBER), which tackles emerging threats in collaboration with government and industry partners.
* QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
** QS World University Rankings, 2024
Our Cyber Security courses
You can study cyber security in the following programs, led by the UNSW Faculty of Engineering.
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Cyber Security, UNSW Sydney
The Bachelor of Cyber Security provides the skills to protect systems, networks and data from cyber threats. It’s a three-year, full-time program where you’ll develop technical expertise and an understanding of human factors relating to cyber security.
Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Computing
The Graduate Certificate in Computing is designed for students who wish to complete a short qualification to bolster their existing knowledge or as a first step into a new field. Students can tailor their learning around their interests, with courses in Cyber Security, Database Systems, Security Engineering and more.
Master of IT, majoring in Cyber Security Engineering
The Master of Information Technology is a two-year full-time course that combines coursework and research. Students can select a broad range of subjects or specialise in fields, such as Cyber Security Engineering or Database Systems.
UNSW Online
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Online)
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is an 8-month online cyber security course that includes four online foundation courses. They provide a comprehensive introduction to security engineering principles and practices and provide a pathway to further study.
Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security (Online)
The Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security is a 16-month online program that aims to build on foundational knowledge in cyber security. Students will develop a holistic perspective of current and emerging trends in cybercrime and gain the technical skills to secure modern networks against cyber-attacks.
Master of Cyber Security (Online)
The Master of Cyber Security is a comprehensive online program that allows students to complete a master's degree in cyber security completely online. Delivered by UNSW Engineering & Technology, the program is designed to help ambitious professionals become technical experts and leverage lucrative career opportunities within the field of cyber.
Postgraduate research
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science and Engineering
If you’re interested in completing extensive research in the field of Cyber Security, you should consider a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UNSW. Requiring a minimum of three years full-time study, you’ll undertake supervised research leading to a significant thesis. You’ll be guided by UNSW Engineering & Technology’s leading cyber security educators.
Master of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering
Another significant research program, the Master of Philosophy invites students to undertake an original investigation, design or engineering development. This program also involves elements of coursework.