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.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
- COMP831 Cybercrime and Cybersecurity (15 points)
- COMP833 Network Security and Forensics (15 points)
- ENGE817 STEM Research Methods (15 points)
- Plus an elective course
Semester 2 courses
- COMP832 Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques (15 points)
- Plus two elective courses*
Year 2
Semester 1 course
Elective courses
2025 elective course offerings
Semester 1 course
Semester 2 courses
- COMP830 Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (15 points)
- COMP843 Advanced Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (30 points)
The following courses are not offered in 2025
- COMP806 Software Architecture (15 points)
- COMP816 Internet of Things and Applications (15 points)
- COMP834 Research Readings (15 points)
- COMP836 Special Topic (30 points)
- COMP842 Applied Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (15 points)
- INFS803 Cloud Computing (15 points)
*Two electives if you choose the 30-point recommended course COMP843 Advanced Cyber Security and Digital Forensics plus one 15-point course.
Study planner for this programme
Download our study planner to see in which semester courses are offered and what your studies could look like in the Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics study planner
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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
($10,028 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
($42,900 tuition fees + $1,192 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.