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Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security

UNSW Canberra
Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
This degree is for domestic students only
Transform the way we interact with technology and launch your career in the emerging cyber field when you graduate with a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security from UNSW Canberra. Whether it’s digital forensics, cyber security or network design you’re interested in, this program covers a broad range of subjects and features many electives.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Canberra
Codes
UAC code 450030
Program code 4427
CRICOS code -
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
80.00 + Defence Selection
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$8,500*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$26,000*

Overview

Cyberspace is transforming the way we live. As new technologies emerge and cyber attacks become more sophisticated, keeping up with the evolving nature of security risks can be challenging. The future of cybersecurity relies on people who can think deeply, find innovative solutions, and work to keep individuals, organisations, and our nation secure.    

The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra at ADFA is designed to build the attributes and skills for market-ready graduates seeking a career in software and cyber security engineering, industry, innovation, management, operations and research. We introduce you to the latest social and political issues in this dynamic sector with computer science and mathematics fundamentals, whilst building skills and understanding of information systems, networks and computer programming within cybersecurity.  

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

When you study with us, you’ll benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Learning from leading academics and industry experts, your qualifications and computing skills will be highly sought after by industry and governments around the world. We’re home to several cutting-edge cyber training facilities dedicated to finding solutions to the world’s most complex problems within cyberspace. As a cybersecurity and computing student, you will have access to our unique state-of-the-art infrastructure for software design, networking, simulation and testing. 

 

Program Code
4427
Campus
Canberra
UAC Code
450030
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
83.0

Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?

Entry requirements

2021 Lowest Selection Rank
80.00 + Defence Selection
2021 A levels
13 + Defence Selection
2021 IB Diploma
29 + Defence Selection
2021 Lowest ATAR
79.75
    1. The 2020 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2020.
    2. Find more information on Guaranteed Entry here.
    3. The 2020 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    4. The 2020 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2020. It is to be used as a guide only.
    5. The 2020 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.

Additional Selection Criteria

Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Program structure

This degree will develop your creativity, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and communication skills which are important in any career within or outside of the defence force. These skills will prepare you to deal with technical issues in a computing environment, and help you develop intellectual and practical problem-solving skills through studies across a range of computing specialisations.  

In this program, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge across gaming, hardware, systems, networking and the Internet, and learn how to secure these environments.  

Topics you can explore in-depth include: 

  • Application development 
  • Cyber-physical systems 
  • Digital forensics 
  • Algorithms and data representation  
  • Network design and operation.

In your final year, you will complete a capstone team project with real-world application within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and civilian domains to demonstrate your abilities in computing and cybersecurity.  

The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security is a three-year program at pass level. Students who complete the pass degree at an appropriate level may be admitted to an additional one-year Honours program – Computing and Cyber Security (Honours). 

Full program structure

Future careers

The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security program prepares students to deal with technical issues in a computing, cyber security and cyber war environments.

As a graduate with a degree in Computing and Cyber Security, you will possess an excellent combination of technical knowledge and practical expertise. Leveraging your skills and knowledge across computing and cybersecurity you will be ready to pursue a range of career opportunities in the Australian Defence Force including:  

Navy 

  • Helicopter Pilot 
  • Intelligence Officer 
  • Maritime Aviation Warfare Officer 
  • Maritime Logistics Officer 
  • Maritime Warfare Officer 
  • Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner 

Army (General Service Officer) 

  • Aviation Corps 
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineering 
  • Intelligence Corps 
  • Ordnance Corps 
  • Signals Corps 

Air Force 

  • Mission Aircrew 
  • Air Traffic Controller 
  • Pilot 

Australian Computer Society

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$26,000*

The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

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