In this degree you will focus on the security of information systems, learning the techniques and theory that support network infrastructures in small to large businesses.

You will develop the skills to support a network roll-out and infrastructure maintenance, as well as learn about networking topologies, routers and firewalls. The networking courses prepare you to sit industry certification exams in CISCO, CCNA and CCNP. This means that not only will you graduate with a degree that’s professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, you could hold a highly regarded industry certification as well. 

If you decide to exit this degree having successfully completed the first two years, you will receive an associate degree.  

What you'll learn

You will start your degree with core courses in information technology. These will give you a solid grounding in important areas such as IT, network, database and programming fundamentals, and systems analysis. 

You will then move on to your major in Networking and Cybersecurity. Your networking courses prepare you to sit industry certification exams in CISCO, CCNA and CCNP. 

In April 2016, the Australian government launched a $230m Cyber Security Strategy with 33 initiatives aimed at improving defences and creating a 'cyber smart nation'. It addresses our nation’s "shortage of cyber security professionals" and states that we must "build our nation’s stock of cyber security skills, which are becoming increasingly essential for life and work in our connected world". Careers to consider:

• network administrator: supporting infrastructure for wired network connections, wireless access points and remotely connected users; ensuring continuous network operations; performing installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrade, documentation, and operational support of network equipment
• IT cybersecurity: specialist understanding vulnerabilities and threats; performing threat and risk assessments, and mitigation strategies; developing network system architecture and design; auditing, acceptance testing and compliance; ability to work in a close team
• network engineer: designing and implementing networks and network security; understanding of security tools like cloud security, malware detection, web application firewalls, intrusion prevention; technical security risk assessment; writing security procedures and documentation 

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.