Science
Bachelor of Cyber Security
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
3 Years
Start date
February, July
Qualification
Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7)
Fees
AUD 44,500
Location
Wallumattagal Campus (Sydney)
About the Course
The Bachelor of Cyber Security at Macquarie University is a comprehensive and industry-focused program designed to equip you with the essential technical skills to defend organisations against the rapidly growing threat of cybercrime. This degree focuses on understanding how cyber criminals operate and developing specialised technical skills to combat them, ensuring you graduate ready to harden systems, protect data, and maintain privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
Developed in close consultation with cybersecurity experts from government and industry, the curriculum covers a wide array of topics including applied cryptography, offensive security, digital forensics, secure application development, data privacy, and cyber laws. You will gain a holistic understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, learning to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and respond to incidents effectively. Macquarie’s commitment to practical learning means you’ll engage in hands-on labs, real-world projects, and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Cyber Security from Macquarie University are well-equipped to meet the growing global demand for skilled cyber professionals across industries such as finance, government, defense, healthcare, IT, and telecommunications. With strong technical training and practical experience, they pursue roles like cyber security analyst, penetration tester, digital forensics investigator, security consultant, and cyber security manager. This degree offers a direct path into a dynamic and impactful career, protecting digital systems and data in an increasingly connected world.
Why choose Cyber Security at Macquarie?
Industry connected
Co-designed with industry, offering internships, real-world projects, and support from Macquarie’s Cyber Security Hub.
Practical and hands-on learning
Engage in simulations, war games, and applied security tasks across digital forensics and secure development.
Professional accreditation
ACS-accredited degree with units contributing to professional certifications like CCNA, enhancing employability and credentials.
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is a specialist 3-year full-time undergraduate degree that provides a deep dive into the technical aspects of cyber security. It covers foundational IT skills in programming, databases, web technologies, and networking, combined with specialised knowledge in defending digital assets. The course aims to develop professionals who can identify, analyse, and mitigate cyber threats, ensuring data security, assurance, and privacy. You will also learn to understand the motivations and methods of cyber criminals, applying this insight to design and implement robust security solutions.
Course Duration
Length of the course
- The Bachelor of Cyber Security is a 3-year full-time program.
Mode of Study for international students:
- International students are typically required to enroll full-time to meet visa requirements. The program is primarily delivered on campus at the Wallumattagal Campus in Sydney.
Course Curriculum
The Bachelor of Cyber Security curriculum is comprehensive, covering both the foundational IT knowledge and advanced, specialised cyber security techniques. Key areas of study typically include:
- Foundational IT Skills: Units in programming (e.g., Python), fundamentals of computer science, database design and management, discrete mathematics, introductory statistics, systems programming, and web technology.
- Core Cyber Security: Introduction to Cyber Security, Applied Cryptography, Digital Forensics, Data Privacy and Information Security, Offensive Security and Ethical Hacking, Cyber Security Management in Practice.
- Contextual Understanding: Units exploring cybercrime, project management, professional practice, and ethical considerations in cybersecurity, providing a holistic view of the security landscape.
- Practical Application & Projects: The program includes practical labs and a capstone computing industry project (PACE unit) where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Admission Requirements
- Academic qualifications Applicants must have completed a recognised senior secondary school qualification (e.g., NSW Higher School Certificate or equivalent Australian/overseas qualification).
- Indicative Selection Rank (ATAR): Typically, 80 or equivalent (international selection rank).
- Assumed Knowledge: Mathematics Extension 1 (or equivalent).
- Recommended Studies: Mathematics Extension 2, Information Processes and Technology, and/or Software Design and Development. Other recognised pathways, such as successful completion of a university foundation program or relevant diploma/associate degree, may also be considered.
- Non-Academic Requirements:
- No specific non-academic requirements are listed. A strong interest in technology, problem-solving, and critical thinking is beneficial.
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) If your prior education was not conducted in English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable tests and minimum scores include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 83, with minimum sub-scores of Readings 13, Writing 21, Listening 12, Speaking 18.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 52 in each communicative skill.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Overall score of 115, with no band less than 110.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- For international students, the approximate annual tuition fee for the Bachelor of Cyber Security for 2025 is AUD$ 44,500. *This fee is indicative and subject to annual review by Macquarie University. Additional costs include living expenses, textbooks, compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships and Bursaries: Macquarie University offers a variety of scholarships to support eligible domestic and international students. These may include:
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Women in STEM Scholarship: Supporting female students in STEM fields.
- General academic merit scholarships and specific faculty-based awards. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to visit the Macquarie University website’s scholarships section for detailed information on available options, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
Career Opportunities
The Bachelor of Cyber Security from Macquarie University prepares you for a crucial role in protecting digital assets in a world increasingly reliant on technology. Graduates are highly sought after in a wide array of industries, responding to the escalating global demand for cybersecurity expertise.
Potential career paths include:
- Cyber Security Analyst: Monitoring systems, detecting threats, and implementing security measures.
- Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks through ethical hacking techniques.
- Digital Forensics Investigator: Recovering and analyzing digital evidence for legal cases or incident response.
- Information Security Officer: Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures within an organisation.
- Network Security Engineer: Designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network infrastructures.
- Security Consultant: Advising organisations on their cybersecurity strategies and solutions.
- Incident Responder: Managing and mitigating the impact of security breaches.
Graduates find employment in government agencies, financial services, technology companies, healthcare providers, consulting firms, and many other sectors where data protection is paramount.
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