Why study with ECU Accelerated Online?

  • Cyber career ready

    Stand out as a cyber security expert, with advanced technical skills and comprehensive knowledge of best practice approaches to cyber security designed to fit current and future industry needs.

  • Pioneers

    We have been the pioneers in this field of teaching, with over 15 years' experience offering cyber courses, from undergraduate to postgraduate and postdoctoral. We’re also a lead partner of the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), along with the WA State Government and 23 other industry, research and government partners.

  • Centre of excellence

    ECU has one of the best cyber security research and education teams in Australia. The ECU Master of Cyber Security is the only online Master of Cyber Security in Australia delivered by an Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence as recognised by the Federal Government.

  • Industry connected

    Our academics have strong industry connections and regularly consult with private and public institutions including Bankwest, Commonwealth Bank, WA Police and DFAT. Two of the team are also members of Interpol’s Cyber Crime Experts Group.

  • Accelerated 100% online

    Graduate sooner to take advantage of this in-demand cyber security field. Delivered 100% online, you could complete the Master of Cyber Security in as little as two years whilst continuing to work full-time, meaning you can take advantage of the growing employment opportunities sooner.

What you will study

The online Master of Cyber Security consists of twelve units. 

  • Cyber Security
  • Networking Technologies
  • Scripting Languages
  • Network Security
  • Ethical Hacking and Defence
  • Digital Forensics
  • Project Management
  • Data Analysis and Visualisation
  • Cyberspace Law, Policy and Governance
  • Cyber Security Ethics and Principles
  • Cyber Security Incident Detection and Response
  • Cyber Security Investigation

Entry criteria

Course admission requirements

To gain entry to the Master of Cyber Security, applicants must:

  • Have a Bachelor degree in any discipline, or;
  • Demonstrate a minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience
  • All applicants must satisfy English competency standards

Special entry

Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:

1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points

Admission is based on:

  • Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or
  • Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or
  • Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security (or equivalent), or
  • Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

*Related discipline refers to any cyber security/ICT-related discipline
^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.

Student support

Not only will you be supported by our academic staff with feedback and answers to your academic questions, but you will also receive dedicated one-on-one support for all non-academic queries from your Student Success Advisor. They are available via phone or email to provide motivation and guidance, supporting you while you achieve your study goals.

Assessment

Assessments vary from unit to unit. Please check with your Course Coordinator or Student Success Advisor about each unit's assessment requirements. Assessments may include case studies, reviews, reports, portfolios, applied projects and presentations. We do not hold exams for 100% online programs.

Frequently asked questions
What software will I be using in the Master of Cyber Security?

Students will use a wide variety of software across the units in the Master of Cyber Security, this software is regularly reviewed in response to industry demands. Example software includes Wireshark, Packet Tracer, Autopsy, FTK, SELKS and the use of specialised operating systems including Kali Linux and Metasploitable. We make extensive use of Microsoft Azure Labs to deliver a common software environment to all students regardless of their own computing resources.

Do I need to have any specific IT knowledge to do the Master of Cyber Security?

You are not required to have any specific IT knowledge to gain entry to our Master of Cyber Security. However, you are expected to have computer literacy and be able to download, install and setup software. In addition, familiarity with IT and experience in programming and mathematics can be beneficial, but is not essential.

Do I need to have coding or programming skills to do the Master of Cyber Security?

You are not required to have any specific coding or programming skills to gain entry to the Master of Cyber Security, however they are helpful. Knowledge of SQL, Bash and Python is beneficial.

Does the Master of Cyber Security include an internship?

No, our Master of Cyber Security does not include an internship. However, you will have the opportunity to apply your new skills by initiating, planning and executing your own investigation project.

What is the average salary for cyber security professionals?

According to the government’s Job Outlook, ICT Security Specialists earn an median of $100K per year. Of course, this varies depending on the position and more senior roles can attract a higher salary.

You can find more information about Cyber Security jobs and salaries on our blog.

Will studying a Master of Cyber Security allow me to gain a pay rise?

Studying a postgraduate degree will not automatically grant you a pay rise. However, a Master of Cyber Security can empower you to move into a specialised role or be a good candidate for a promotion or pay rise.