Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Security of computer systems and networks is a major concern for organisations and individuals. The Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics addresses the need for professionals in this field.

With the rapid expansion of the internet, cybercrime and malicious software deployments are on the increase. There is a need for security professionals who can protect assets and information by securing networks and computer systems. The Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics also develops skills in discovering and recording digital forensic evidence of crimes and malicious behaviour by extracting data from networks, hard drives, cell phones and other digital devices.

Download programme guides

Minimum entry requirements

  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences (or equivalent) with a B grade average in level 7 courses
  • May be required to supply references and attend a selection interview

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

English language requirements

The programme offers a choice of two pathways to complete the required 180 points and is primarily a mix of cybersecurity and digital forensics courses with some elective courses available. You can choose to complete six courses and undertake a 90-point thesis, or eight courses and a 60-point project.

The programme is a mix of academic study and practical labs supported by workshop sessions. Dedicated specialist hardware and software is provided for students’ use in these sessions and is available to them for the research component of the qualification.

Complete the following courses

And choose at least 30 points from

And choose one of the following options

Option 1

Option 2

Or any other postgraduate Course with the approval of the programme leader

More details about courses in this programme

Search for a Course (Arion)

Email cmspg@aut.ac.nz

Enrolment in courses is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of courses.

  • Computer forensic and security specialist
  • Computer forensic technician
  • Corporate and business IT forensic and security personnel
  • Forensic analyst
  • Forensic technology investigator
  • Forensic computer examiner
  • Forensic computing specialist
  • Electronic forensic investigator
  • Independent IT forensic consultants
  • Information security specialist
  • Information system auditors
  • Members of computer emergency response teams
  • Members of high technology police units
  • Network and IT system administrators
  • Software developers and architects
Quick facts
Programme code:
AK1324
Level:
9
Points:
180
Duration:
1.5 years full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:
15 Jul 2024
3 Mar 2025
21 Jul 2025

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$10,607 (for 120 points)
($9,461 tuition fees + $1146 student services levy)
International
$42,046 (for 120 points)
($40,900 tuition fees + $1146 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.