This degree is closed to new applications. You may be interested in other courses in Cyber security
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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
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^ |
Explore IT & computer science courses
Discover related degrees to compare your options and find the best fit for your goals.
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Information Technology Open Degree Pathway
UndergraduateLAT-ICT-PTH
UndergraduateGRF-CSC-DEG
Diploma of Information Technology
UndergraduateSCU-INF-DIP
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateUNE-BIT-DEG
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
UndergraduateSWI-ICT-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
UndergraduateTUA-CSE-DIP
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.