Overview
Gain in-demand skills to protect data and information systems from hackers, with a Bachelor of Cyber Security at Victoria University.
Our cyber-security degree opens many career possibilities. You will study information technology, preparing you for a career in software development or the networking industry. Then you will focus on specialised units in cyber security – gaining the expertise needed to apply for specialised roles.
Learn essential skills in cyber-threat detection and risk management, including:
- cyber security technologies (such as digital signature, public key infrastructure, virtual private networks, firewalls, intrusion detection and data encryption)
- ethical hacking and digital forensic data collection
- vulnerability analysis and control
- enterprise security
- cyber security regulation, policies and laws
- software development
- network design.
You will graduate with an internationally recognised degree, giving you the opportunity to launch your career within or outside Australia.
Be part of a growing field
With more and more companies adopting cloud services and storage, valuable data and information systems are increasingly under threat from hackers and industrial spies.
Beyond just accessing information, hackers can penetrate enterprise networks, encrypt the hard drive of computers and extort the organisation or computer owners to pay for unlocking the system.
Globally, cybersecurity is expected to have an annual growth of over 20% in the next five years.
Get up-to-date training
Our experienced academic staff have a strong track record in cyber security research, providing you with a modern, up-to-date course.
Guest lecturers with current experience in the cyber security industry complement the academic staff to provide you with insights into the latest developments in this field.
Study in convenient 4-week blocks
The VU Block Model lets you study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several units at once.
With its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, the VU Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners.
The Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.
In addition to our undergrad and postgrad courses, we also have strong partnerships with leading companies in the industry. These include but not limited to AWS, Cisco, Microsoft and Oracle. Victoria University is an academy for a multitude of certification courses from these leading industries. This means, as our students, you will have the opportunity to study certification courses taught by seasoned lecturers and research academics within the IT discipline with discounted certification examination fees. For more details, please visit the following links and contact your course chair.
- Amazon - AWS Training & Certification
- Cisco - Cisco Networking Academy
- Microsoft - Microsoft Education
- Oracle - Oracle Academy
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in cyber security
Completion of this course will prepare you for variety of cyber security or IT careers, such as:
- cyber security specialist
- cyber security consultant
- cloud security engineer
- network security engineer
- mobile and web applications developer.
Salaries & job growth
Globally, cyber security is growing and offers competitive salaries. Read more on the Australian government job-data site, Labour Market Insights.
Course structure
To attain the award of Bachelor of Cyber Security students will be required to complete
- 288 credit points of core units.
Course structure and units
Year 1, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NIT1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1104
- Credits
- 12
Year 1, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NIT1201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT1204
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NIT2141
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2122
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2171
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NIT2241
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2242
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT2222
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- NIT3122
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT3141
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT3171
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- NIT3222
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT3202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NIT3274
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- NEF3002
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of cybersecurity with depth in selected areas of study from the following areas: network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, cybersecurity professionals, enterprise network management, cloud security, data analytics for cybersecurity, ICT management for cybersecurity; | ||
| 2. | Analyse and adapt the latest cybersecurity technologies with intellectual independence, self- learning capabilities and creativity to identify and solve real-world problems with sound decisions and judgement in a broad range of sectors including ICT, government, banking and finance, retail, education, health, media and manufacturing; | ||
| 3. | Exhibit a range of technical, analytical, managerial, leadership and interpersonal skills; in depth understanding to the codes of ethics and conducts of cybersecurity professions; and | ||
| 4. | Exhibit a capacity to undertake IT design and development practice in an independent or collaborative environment with a strong industry focus; and the responsibility and accountability as a lifelong learner for their own learning and professional practice. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent)
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies, at least one must be in Mathematics.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Information Technology or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
AND:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 24 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 24 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
ECA College, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
ECA College, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 April 2025
- 28 July 2025
- 29 September 2025
- 27 October 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
