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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
Overview
Our Adaptive Master of Cyber Security is designed to equip you with specialised expertise in the dynamic field of cyber threat management. With a focus on agile operations and best-practice in the face of emerging real-world cyber-challenges, this course combines theoretical foundations with hands-on experience using the latest industry tools and technologies.
You will explore risk management, ethical hacking and secure network design, while gaining practical insights. You will also explore opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, expand your professional network, and build valuable connections within the sector.
Upon completion, you will be fully prepared to tackle complex cyber security challenges in various professional settings, with the technical and strategic skills to protect digital systems and respond decisively to emerging threats.
Why choose CDU's Master of Cyber Security?
Cyber threats don't stick to office hours, and neither should your education. That's why we created the adaptive Master of Cyber Security, built specifically for busy IT professionals. Whether you-re handling incidents or pushing through project deadlines and on-call schedules, this degree moves with you. Apply anytime, study anywhere, and go beyond theory with hands-on learning in risk management, ethical hacking and network engineering.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to a career as an ICT security specialist, network security analyst, Security Engineer, IT Risk Analyst.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $36,440.00. This equates to $4,555.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
What will I study?
Adaptive is a new way to study that fits around your lifestyle. Flexible, 100% online and designed for career growth, Adaptive degrees give you the freedom to study in line with your schedule, wherever you are. Apply anytime, learn from anywhere and focus on a single unit at a time in 6-week intensive study periods.
Course structure
The core units of this course will enable you to engage with a broad range of cyber security concepts, while also allowing you to explore specific areas of interest through directed study and either a capstone professional experience or a cyber security research project.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (9 units) | 100cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. PRT510 Professional Issues in Technology |
| Research/Capstone Units (1 unit) | 20cp | Research or Capstone unit totalling 20 credit points from one of the units below: PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) |
| 120cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
Students commencing in Intensive 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT532IT Service Management | CO | PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO |
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO | PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | ||||
Students commencing in Intensive 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT532IT Service Management | CO | PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO | PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | ||
Students commencing in Intensive 3
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT532IT Service Management | CO | PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO |
Students commencing in Intensive 4
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO | ||||||
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||||||||||
| PRT532IT Service Management | CO | ||||||||||
Students commencing in Intensive 5
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | ||||||||
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT532IT Service Management | CO | PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO |
| Year 3 | |||||||||||
| PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO | ||||||||
Students commencing in Intensive 6
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is flexible but gives recommendations for the order in which units are studied. The number of units studied at a time or over a period of time will depend on an individual's other commitments. Students entering this course with prior experience in particular fields, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 3 | Intensive 4 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 | ||||||
| Year 1 | |||||||||||
| PRT565Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms | CO | ||||||||||
| Year 2 | |||||||||||
| PRT572Communications and Network Security Engineering | CO | PRT510Professional Issues in Technology | CO | PRT532IT Service Management | CO | PRT581Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT573Identity Access Management and Security Operations | CO | PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development | CO |
| Year 3 | |||||||||||
| PRT671 Cyber Security Practice (20cp) | CO | PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) OR PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) | CO | PRT571Asset Security and Risk Management | CO | ||||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification with a major in computer science, information technology, information systems, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a program with substantial quantitative competencies.
Consideration may also be given to applicants with at least five-years full time relevant employment experience demonstrating quantitative, analytical, technical, or information systems capabilities. Applicants must provide full details of their employment experience in their application.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
| Employment pathway | At least two years full-time equivalent employment within the past five years in a recognised English-speaking country", where English was the primary language of workplace communication. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a country on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
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