Cyber Security
Master of Cyber Security
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
2 Years (full-time) / 1.5 Years (with relevant prior degree/experience)
Start date
February, July
Qualification
Master of Cyber Security
Fees
AUD 43,650
Location
Joondalup, Western Australia
About the Course
The Master of Cyber Security at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is an advanced and highly specialized postgraduate program designed to cultivate expert-level cyber security professionals and leaders. Building upon foundational IT or related knowledge, this program delves into sophisticated areas of cyber defense, incident response, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and advanced security architecture. As a recognized national leader in cyber security education and research, ECU provides a cutting-edge learning environment with state-of-the-art labs. You will gain in-depth theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills to tackle complex cyber threats, conduct advanced investigations, and develop robust security strategies for organizations of all sizes.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Master of Cyber Security program are exceptionally well-positioned for senior and leadership roles in the rapidly expanding global cyber security industry. The program prepares professionals for highly specialized and critical positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Cyber Security Architect, Senior Security Consultant, Digital Forensics Specialist, Incident Response Lead, Penetration Tester, and Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst. Opportunities abound in government agencies, national security, defense, critical infrastructure, finance, technology, and major corporations, both in Australia and internationally, where demand far outstrips supply for highly qualified cyber security experts.
Why choose ECU for a Master of Cyber Security?
Industry connected
ECU’s strong ties with government and industry provide real-world training, lab simulations, and applied research for career readiness.
Global opportunities
Globally respected degree prepares graduates for strategic leadership in multinational cyber defense roles and international security environments.
Professional accreditation
Recognised by the Australian Computer Society, ensuring advanced expertise aligned with global standards and professional certification pathways.
Course Overview
The Master of Cyber Security program at ECU offers an intensive and highly practical learning experience, designed to develop expert-level capabilities in cyber security. The curriculum blends advanced theoretical concepts with extensive hands-on practical work in state-of-the-art cyber security labs and a Security Operations Centre (SOC) training room, simulating real-world threat landscapes. Students will delve deep into topics such as advanced network security, secure software development, incident response and forensics, cyber threat intelligence, ethical hacking and penetration testing, and cyber security governance and risk management. The program culminates in a significant research paper or professional project, allowing students to apply their advanced knowledge to a complex cyber security challenge and contribute to the field.
Course Duration
Duration Length of the course
- 2 years full-time (standard entry for general Bachelor’s degree holders).
- 1.5 years full-time (for students with a cognate Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, or a Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security/equivalent postgraduate study).
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time (on-campus)
Course Curriculum
The Master of Cyber Security curriculum is structured to provide advanced, specialized knowledge and practical skills, adapting to prior qualifications for maximum efficiency.
- Core Advanced Cyber Security Units:
- Topics include: Advanced Network Security, Cryptography and Secure Communications, Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, Information Security Management and Governance, and Cyber Law and Ethics.
- Specialization/Electives:
- Depending on the program structure, students may select elective units to deepen their specialization in areas like cyber threat intelligence, secure software engineering, or industrial control system (ICS) security.
- Research or Professional Project:
- A substantial capstone project or research component is undertaken, allowing students to apply advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills to a significant cyber security problem, often in collaboration with industry. This culminates in a thesis or a detailed professional report.
Admission Requirements
- Academic qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized university.
- For the 2-year pathway: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- For the 1.5-year pathway: A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Cyber Security, Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Network Engineering), OR a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with five years of relevant professional work experience in IT/Cyber Security (approved by the Course Coordinator), OR a Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (or equivalent).
- Work Experience (where applicable):
- For the 1.5-year pathway, five years of relevant professional experience may be considered for those without a cognate degree. This experience should be in senior/managerial positions in the IT/Cyber Security domain.
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- For international students, demonstrated English language proficiency is required. Acceptable tests include IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.0, or equivalent scores such as TOEFL iBT (overall 84, with no score below 17), or PTE Academic (overall 58, with no score less than 50).
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- AUD 43,650 for 1 yr full-time (for international students in 2026). Fees are typically paid per semester based on enrolled units.
Scholarships and Bursaries:
- Edith Cowan University offers various postgraduate scholarships, including those for academic excellence, and specific scholarships for international students, particularly in STEM and cyber security fields. Given ECU’s prominence in cyber security, there may be dedicated scholarships or grants available. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to explore the ECU scholarships website for detailed information and application processes.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Cyber Security program are highly sought after for senior and leadership positions in a rapidly evolving and critical global industry. Potential job roles include: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Cyber Security Architect, Senior Cyber Security Consultant, Digital Forensic Investigator, Incident Response Manager, Cyber Threat Intelligence Lead, Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager, Penetration Tester, Security Auditor, and Academic Researcher. Industries employing our graduates span government and defense (national security agencies), financial services, critical infrastructure (energy, telecommunications), large corporations across all sectors, cybersecurity consulting firms, law enforcement, and academia, both domestically and internationally.
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