Bachelor of Cyber Security

Establish yourself as an expert and problem solver in cyber security

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For Domestic Students only

Gain the critical skills that will give you a technical edge in both a government and broader industry career.

Faculty

UNSW Canberra

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Cyber Security

Commencing Terms

Term 1

Duration

3 years F/T

Overview

UNSW Canberra’s Bachelor of Cyber Security is a future-focused, three-year degree informed by critical government and industry skills gaps. Graduate ready to make an impact in a constantly evolving cyber security landscape, with the skills and competencies that will make you in demand across industry, government and Defence.

You'll study a range of targeted courses developed to respond to the needs of government and industry within a sector defined by rapid change. You will study in a Hybrid Flexible (HyFlex) delivery mode, which combines compressed delivery, face-to-face and online study, allowing you to work and study simultaneously.

Tap into the key skillsets required for cyber security graduates, including:

Theoretical and practical knowledge
Risk management
Artificial Intelligence for cyber security
Critical infrastructure protection
Cyber crime investigation
Cyber management
Analytical thinking
Ethical and legal understanding

Key features

The Bachelor of Cyber Security has a strong focus on intelligent cyber security and emerging industry applications:

Industry-led design

You'll learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world cyber security challenges and solutions, developing skills and competencies that are highly valued by industry, government and Defence.

Cutting-Edge Cyber Security Technologies

You will learn cutting-edge cyber security technologies and tools that are currently employed in the cyber security industry. You gain hands-on experience with industry-standard hardware, software, and analytical techniques and tools, such as cyber threat detection, incident response, and penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, encryption, digital forensics, and cyber crime investigation.

Develop solutions now, and into the future

The increasing importance of effective cyber security is transforming the way we live. As modern technologies emerge and cyber threats become more sophisticated, keeping up with the evolving nature of security risks can be challenging. You’ll develop enduring, in-demand skills across critical thinking and innovation to keep individuals, organisations and our nation secure.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Highly skilled academics and industry specialists will guide you towards a successful career
Study a specialised undergraduate degree with a core cyber focus
UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 3 consecutive years (2020-2023)
Co-designed with industry to help shape the future needs of the cyber workforce
Gain access to industry mentorships and placements
Take advantage of a purpose-built timetable with the opportunity to earn, while you learn
Develop your skills at UNSW Canberra, right in the heart of Australia’s cyber security sector

Program Code

4490

Campus

Canberra

UAC Code

452001

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest ATAR

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:

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.

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 is a three-year degree program consisting of 24 courses, 8 courses per year. The course structure includes 20 disciplinary core courses (16 core courses + 4 minor courses), and 4 general elective courses.

You will focus on developing key skill sets required for cyber security graduates, including:

Theoretical and practical knowledge
Risk management
Artificial Intelligence for cyber security
Critical infrastructure protection
Cybercrime investigation
Cyber management
Analytical thinking
Ethical and legal understanding.

As part of the program, you will complete one minor. Choose from the following areas to enhance your cyber security knowledge:

Cyber Security Industry Application
Intelligent Cyber Security

You will also expand your learning through four university general elective courses and two Elective Courses:

Advanced Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Cyber Risk Management

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an essential component of this degree, included in the minor and core courses of Year 3, Term 3.

This program enables you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical real-world cyber security challenges and solutions, developing skills and competencies that are highly valued by industry, government and defence. Work-related learning activities embedded in the program’s courses allow you to work on real world cyber security projects. 

Intelligent Cyber Security

Cyber Security Industry Application
Cyber security

Information technology

Programming

Computer architecture

Operating systems

Cyber crime

Cyber ethics

Data structures

Algorithmic knowledge

Web application and security

Ethical hacking

Penetration testing

Cyber offence

Computational mathematics

Cryptography

Human-centric cyber security

Digital forensic

Incident response

Internet of things

Network security

Cloud computing

Critical infrastructure protection

Full program structure

In the first year, you will take 5 core courses, 1 minor course and 1 elective course to study the fundamentals of cyber security. You will learn the fundamentals of cyber security:

Explore several emerging technologies, including hardware, software, databases, networking, web development and their security. 
Hands-on exercises and practical examples. You will learn the fundamentals of a high-level programming language, enabling you to express ideas effectively and efficiently in code.
Develop an understanding of the underlying operating systems through a security-specific lens 
How to respond to cyber security incidents
The different ways to secure software and how to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited
How to hack into computer systems in a legal and ethical way, to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities

By the end of your first year, you will have a strong foundation that will enable you to identify and mitigate cyber security threats and be prepared to pursue a career in cyber security.

In the second year, you will take 5 core courses, 2 minor courses and 1 elective course to study the methods of cyber threats and modern cyber security countermeasures.

In the third year, you will take 5 core courses, 1 minor course, and two electives to study advanced cyber security methodologies.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

With a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cyber security, you will be well-positioned to pursue a rewarding career in this evolving field.

Here are some of the benefits of getting a cyber security undergraduate degree:

High demand: The demand for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high and expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Job security: The high demand of the industry provides further job security for cyber security professionals.
Salary: Cyber security professionals typically earn a high salary, especially those with experience.
Challenging and rewarding work: You will be working on the cutting edge of technology, and you will be making a real difference in the world by helping to protect people and organizations from cyber attacks.

Potential careers

Cyber security analyst
Penetration tester
Security consultant
Software engineer
Chief information security officer
Chief privacy officer
Ethical hacker
Risk analyst
Security architect
Security consultant
Security operations centre manager
Source code auditor
Vulnerability assessor
Cyber developer

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?

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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.

Ready to start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

TBC

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

TBC

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from 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. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

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.