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
The programme is primarily a mix of cybersecurity and digital forensics courses with some elective courses available.
The programme is a mix of academic study and practical labs supported by workshop sessions. Dedicated specialist hardware and software is provided for you to use in these sessions and is available to you for the research component of the qualification.
Complete the following courses
- COMP844 Advanced Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (30 points)
- COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
- ENGE817 STEM Research Methods (15 points)
And choose four from
- COMP816 Internet of Things and Applications (15 points)
- COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
- COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
- COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
- COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
- COMP842 Applied Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (15 points)
- COMP843 Advanced Forensics (30 points)
- INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
- INFS813 IT Strategy and Policy (15 points)
And complete a dissertation (one semester)
- COMP997 Dissertation (60 points)
*Please note that a B- average and an approved Research Proposal is required for enrolment into the dissertation.
Complete the following courses
- COMP844 Advanced Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (30 points)
- COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
- ENGE817 STEM Research Methods (15 points)
And choose two from
- COMP816 Internet of Things and Applications (15 points)
- COMP821 Information Security (15 points)
- COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
- COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
- COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
- COMP842 Applied Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (15 points)
- COMP843 Advanced Forensics (30 points)
- INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
- INFS813 IT Strategy and Policy (15 points)
And complete a thesis (two semesters)
- COMP998 Thesis (90 points)
*Please note that a B- average and an approved Postgraduate Research Proposal is required for enrolment into the 90 point thesis.
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
More details about courses in the Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
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
($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
($45,000 tuition fees + $1,221.60 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.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.