RMIT has launched two new cyber security degrees in response to one of the biggest issues confronting organisations in the digital age.
Evidenced this year by attacks on the systems of some of Australia’s leading telecom companies, cyber security is a multi-industry issue.
The new Bachelor of Cyber Security and Bachelor of Cyber Security (Professional) degrees will develop a cohort of cybersecurity graduates with the skills necessary to become part of the solution.
The Bachelor of Cyber Security will equip students with the specialist knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot, analyse, design, support and provide cyber security solutions.
The longer Bachelor of Cyber Security (Professional) will develop and hone the skills needed to implement cyber security solutions and processes that protect organisations and individuals from cybercrime.
Featuring an embedded cyber security major and industry-aligned content, the degree prepares students to pursue a career as an IT or ICT practitioner, with the potential to grow into a leadership role.
Karin Verspoor, Dean, School of Computing Technologies said the new degrees were a response to the industry demand for graduates who can help ensure digital safety in an increasingly online world.
“A degree in Cyber Security will prepare our graduates with the skills to ensure that people and businesses remain safe in our increasingly digital world,” she said.
“Nearly every business collects information about itself, its competitors, the market and of course, their customers, and nearly everyone shares data online in one form or another.”
“RMIT Bachelor of Cyber Security graduates will have the knowledge and the tools to build secure systems that enable the use of this data, while still protecting businesses from harm.”
Verspoor said growth in the cyber security field was strong and predicted to remain so for the foreseeable future.
Job Outlook predicts that demand for Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security workers will increase by 38.9% to 2026.
The same organisation also estimates that in 2021, salaries for these roles averaged more than $120,000 per year.
A hands-on degree shaped by the latest digital threats
This hands-on degree is modelled on the Australian Signals Directorate framework, which identifies the dynamic capabilities and skills needed to combat the latest and emerging cyber threats.
The structure of the degree allows students to build on core skills with an embedded major in Cyber Security alongside a range of minors that can refine their expertise. Participants will be able to choose from:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Bioinformatics
- Blockchain Enabled Business
- Blockchain Technologies
- Business Analytics
- Business Information Systems
- CISCO Networking
- Cloud Computing
- Creative Computing
- Data Analysis
- Data Science
- Enterprise Systems Development
The Bachelor of Cyber Security also includes several work integrated learning (WIL) subjects, where students will interact with industry, government and community organisations through relevant projects and work placements.
Students will engage in activities that integrate theoretical learning with practical application in cyber security area. An industry internship program will see them participate in real-world learning activities.
From computer forensics to blockchain, from cyber security testing to AI, the first RMIT cohort of Cyber Security graduates will be ready for any cyber security challenge they encounter in the workplace.
