Cyber Security and Networking

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Master of Journalism, Cyber Security & Networking at Murdoch University is designed for those who want to gain advanced skills in designing, managing, and securing networks, while also understanding the bigger picture of modern IT infrastructures. Whether you are a professional looking to upskill or a graduate aiming to step into network‑engineering, cyber‑security, or IT service‑management roles, this program offers a mix of hands-on experience and strategic insight to prepare you for the challenges of today’s digital world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in network design and administration. Key units include Network Design & Architecture, LAN & Wireless Networks, and Network Management & Security. These modules give you a clear understanding of how networks function and the best ways to protect them.

Year 2:
The next stage takes you deeper into professional practice. You’ll study advanced topics like Global Network Design, Troubleshooting Network Problems, and Network Security Implementation. Here, you’ll apply real-world techniques to solve complex issues and tailor network systems to meet organisational goals.

Year 3 (optional/full-scale or with electives/research):
In the final phase, you can specialise further through advanced electives or a capstone project. Options include enterprise security, emerging technologies, or network services consulting, allowing you to consolidate your learning and prepare for career-ready execution.

Focus Areas:

Network design and architecture
Wireless and LAN technologies
Network management and security
Troubleshooting and global systems deployment

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the program, you will be able to:

Design, implement, and manage secure network infrastructures
Diagnose and resolve complex network issues
Apply global-scale network strategies
Align network solutions with organisational objectives

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Graduates are eligible to sit for industry-recognised certifications such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), giving you a strong pathway into professional network engineering roles.

Reputation and Employability:
Murdoch University is a respected Australian public university with a strong global research profile. Its technology graduates are highly sought after across industries, helping you step confidently into your career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you choose the Master of Science in Information Technology, majoring in Cyber Security and Networking at Murdoch University (MJ‑CSN), you’re not just learning theory — you’ll be building practical, hands-on skills in an environment designed to mirror real-world industry settings. From your first day, you’ll engage with actual networking and security systems, tackle real challenges, and collaborate closely with peers and industry advisors. The course is delivered through Murdoch’s IT Innovation Hub, featuring high-performance computing, an operational data centre, and mixed/augmented reality tools.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of practical, experiential learning:

Work in the IT Innovation Hub: Use network design, administration, and management tools to build LAN, wireless, and global network architectures that reflect real industry-scale environments.
Prepare for industry certifications: The major is designed with certifications in mind, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), helping you graduate career-ready.
Tackle real-world challenges: Work on project-based collaborations with industry partners, solving network security problems and engaging with complex IT systems and emerging cyber threats.
Use advanced computing labs and a data centre: Test, simulate, and evaluate network behaviour under different conditions, gaining experience that goes far beyond classroom theory.
Tailor your learning: Choose units that match your interests — from wireless security to global network design — and build a portfolio that highlights your specialisms.
Develop teamwork and communication skills: Collaborate in groups to design, deploy, and present solutions to network and security scenarios, preparing you for professional work environments.

By combining industry-aligned certifications with practical, hands-on experiences developed in consultation with industry, your learning is directly connected to employer needs — so you’re not just studying, you’re preparing to step confidently into a high-demand career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes – Summary
Graduates of this program gain the skills and confidence to design, secure, and manage critical IT networks. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as Network Engineer, Network Administrator, IT Project Manager, or Independent Security Consultant. With these capabilities, you’ll be ready to enter a rapidly growing field where demand for cybersecurity and networking professionals remains strong.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University services to support employment:

Murdoch’s Careers & Employability team provides practical support, including job-search toolkits, interview coaching, LinkedIn profile advice, and a dedicated jobs board for students and graduates.
The “Boost Your Employability” online modules let you develop career skills at your own pace from day one.
Students have access to the IT Innovation Hub, featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as mixed/augmented reality labs, an operational data centre, and high-performance computing resources—ensuring hands-on, work-aligned learning.

Employment stats and salary figures:

While there isn’t specific salary data for this program, Murdoch University undergraduates achieved a 96.7% employment rate three years after graduation.
Industry sources suggest that entry-level IT roles in Australia typically start around AUD 65,000–75,000 per year.

University–industry partnerships:

The program was developed with industry partners, focusing on solving complex, real-world IT problems.
Murdoch’s wider Industry & Partnerships framework connects students and researchers with government agencies, multinational companies, and contract research projects.

Long-term accreditation value:

This major prepares you to sit for key industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
The program aligns with professional accreditation standards set by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the Professional level.

Graduation outcomes:

On completion, you will have advanced skills in network management, wireless/LAN design, troubleshooting, security, and global network architecture.
You’ll be ready for roles including:
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- IT Project Manager
- Independent Network & Security Consultant

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this Master’s, you could deepen your expertise through research-based study, such as a PhD, or pursue specialised certifications and postgraduate diplomas in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity leadership, or enterprise networking.
This can lead to senior technology leadership roles or specialist consulting careers.