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Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security)
UndergraduateTAS-ATS-ADG2024
Course information for 2024 intake
Become a cyber security professional
An IT course that meets growing industry demand for graduates with practical skills. You’ll cover IT fundamentals including programming and networks. Learn how to manage real-world cyber security problems and work as a cyber security technologist.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 16
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security)
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Evaluate knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required to develop and enhance career opportunities.
- Evaluate and select technologies, tools and techniques to apply in a range of industry contexts.
- Apply problem solving and design approaches to identify and communicate solutions or innovations.
- Apply technologies across digital and innovation landscapes.
- Evaluate and present technical information.
The Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security) is a pathway to a career in emerging and growing fields. The program has been designed through an extensive industry consultation process to ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation into the future. The program has a focus on project-based work, resulting in graduates being job-ready and highly employable.
You will have access to the latest technologies and have opportunities to apply your new skills in innovative ways. As part of this program, you’ll also learn core skills needed in any workplace, such as critical thinking, project management, design thinking, communication, teamwork and digital literacy. You’ll enjoy real-world learning experiences designed to demonstrate what both the job and the workplace will be like.
The Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security) is a two-year (full-time) course which provides highly relevant work-ready skills and a pathway to a career in the exciting and rapidly evolving technologies, practical skills to take straight into the workplace, opportunities to advance in your chosen field and in-depth knowledge of industry requirements.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended.
If students are undertaking part-time study, we recommend that students complete all first year compulsory subjects prior to completing elective subjects to maximise success.
- Year 1.8 subjects in first year including:
- 6 compulsory subjects:
- TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
- TAS-ZAT111 Computer Networks
- TAS-ZAT113 Programming Principles
- TAS-ZAT120 Designing for Technology and Innovation
- TAS-ZAT119 Data Analysis for Cyber Security
- TAS-ZAT121 Information Security
- 2 UTAS electives
- 6 compulsory subjects:
- Year 2.8 subjects in second year including:
- 6 compulsory subjects:
- TAS-ZAA233 Managing Projects
- TAS-ZAT221 Risk and Security Management
- TAS-ZAT223 Emerging Technologies
- TAS-ZAT224 Applied Technology Project
- TAS-ZAT215 Offensive Cyber Security and Penetration Testing
- TAS-ZAT219 Defensive Cyber Security and Procedures
- 2 UTAS electives
- 6 compulsory subjects:
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 16 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 2-5 years from commencement.
Exit points
Students will be permitted to exit the course and graduate with the Diploma of Applied Technologies exit award where the requirements of the exit award have been met.
- Year 1.8 subjects in first year including:
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $19,760
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
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Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one subject of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points), at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Successful completion of one OUA open access subject of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified
Completed the TCE or an equivalent qualification.
Successful completion of Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Career opportunities
For graduates this qualification could assist you to gain roles which could include service technician, technical consultant, systems technician, site installation technician or project support officer. For graduates already working in the information and communications technology industry, the Associate degree in Applied Technologies may enable you to progress into managerial roles, leading a small team, becoming a specialist in the automation systems field. Given how ubiquitous technology is across industries and occupations, your career opportunities are vast.
Some key sectors with high demand for the skills and knowledge offered by this course include:
- Green and Renewable Technologies
- Robotics and Intelligence System
- Finance Industry
- Cyber Security Consulting
- Startups
- Logistics and Supply Chains
- Defence
- Local, State and Federal Government and Departments
- Health Care
- Agriculture and Agri-technology
- Telecommunication and Sensor Networks
- Food Production and Processing
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Professionals | $93K to $120K | Up 12.9% |
| Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists | Over $120K | Up 45.1% |
| ICT Security Specialists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
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