Doctor of Cyber Security at UNSW | Professional Doctorate
US University of New South Wales logo
PhD / Doctorate Cybersecurity Full Time

Doctor of Cyber Security (Professional Doctorate)

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

093558C

CRICOS provider code

00098G

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

4 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$193,000 total

Per year

A$48,250/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Doctor of Cyber Security (Professional Doctorate) at the University of New South Wales is tailored for professionals seeking leadership roles in the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector. This advanced research programme combines scholarly inquiry with professional practice, addressing complex information security challenges relevant to government, industry, and society in Australia and internationally.

The doctoral curriculum is structured over four years of full-time study and encompasses both coursework and a substantial research component. Typically, initial stages focus on advanced units of study to build discipline-specific expertise, followed by the development and completion of a significant thesis or professional project that contributes new understanding to the field. Candidates often engage in work-integrated learning, collaborating closely with industry partners, Australian government bodies, or research institutes based in Sydney, a major tech and financial hub.

This professional doctorate equips graduates with capabilities in cyber threat analysis, security architecture, digital forensics, and advanced risk management. Emphasis is placed on research skills, critical analysis, and the ability to translate research findings into practical, real-world solutions. The programme suits experienced cybersecurity practitioners, IT professionals, consultants, or those aspiring to drive change or innovation in the sector.

Australian PhD candidates benefit from strong industry links and may be eligible for work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, as well as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) upon graduation. For entry, international applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency, with equivalency options available. For specific details on credit points, research focus, or placement opportunities, prospective students should consult the official University of New South Wales pages.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Security Architect
  • Digital Forensics Specialist
  • Risk and Compliance Manager
  • Security Researcher
  • Academic or Lecturer in Cyber Security
  • Advisory roles within government agencies and critical infrastructure providers in Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Cyber Security (Professional Doctorate) at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 4 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$193,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)Cyber Security ConsultantSecurity ArchitectDigital Forensics SpecialistRisk and Compliance ManagerSecurity ResearcherAcademic or Lecturer in Cyber SecurityAdvisory roles within government agencies and critical infrastructure providers in A...

Guides for this subject and the application

All guides →

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