Master of Cyber Security

Program Overview

The Master of Cyber Security at RMIT equips students with the technical, mathematical, and business skills necessary to secure information systems in organizations. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and hands-on exercises, students learn about network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management. The program includes opportunities for internships and a two-semester project, providing students with practical experience and in-depth knowledge in a chosen cyber security topic. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various cyber security roles, including penetration testers, security managers, and network security engineers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Cyber Security aims to equip you with the mathematical, technical and business tools to secure an organisation’s information systems. Secure systems and networks are a vital responsibility for organisations of all sizes and in our increasingly connected world, it is more important than ever. From the latest internet worm to identity theft, danger is no more than a click away. You will learn about local area network (LAN) security, cryptography, the Advanced Encryption Standard, RSA, smartcards, biometrics, ethical hacking and information systems risk management. This degree includes opportunities for cyber security internships with industry organisations, both large and small.

Outline:

This degree consists of 192 credit points. Throughout your studies, you will develop skills to apply a range of mathematical, analytical, algorithmic and computational techniques. You will model and critically evaluate a range of cyber security systems and processes (hardware, software-based or a hybrid) that operate on a diverse range of media (optical, wireless or wired). You will use a variety of protocols (EFTPOS, INTERNET, CCITT) in business or personal communications, keeping in mind the importance of ethical values in this service-oriented field. The curriculum covers many topics, including risk management and cryptosystems, biometrics and ethical hacking. Subjects are aimed at a holistic approach to cyber security and are paired with insights from industry experts.

Teaching:

The Master of Cyber Security is offered through a flexible combination of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory classes. There are also opportunities for you to participate in team-based projects and to engage in consulting activities. State-of-the-art cyber security software and work-simulated exercises used in your subjects will provide you with hands-on experience.

Careers:

Some of the cyber security roles undertaken by RMIT graduates, in both government and private organisations, include: penetration testers cyber security risk and compliance analysts IT risk analysts security managers forensic analysts security auditors defence communications and signals intelligence network security engineers. Cyber security continues to offer promising job prospects, particularly if Australian industries - especially those at higher risk such as banking, defence, health, and education - elevate investment. Research by Deloitte shows a greater focus on cyber security across the Australian economy could lead to a 5.5% rise in business investment, and an additional 60,000 people employed by 2030. Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for ICT security specialists are set to increase by 12.9% to 2028.