Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security)

On completion of the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security) you will be able to:

• Commence employment or enhance your current employment as a Cyber Security technologist; or
• Articulate into further undergraduate study with credit into a specified University of Tasmania bachelor degree. This further study will prepare you to transition into leadership and management roles.

New to Cyber Security and never worked in the industry before?

For graduates new to Cyber Security, this qualification could assist you to gain roles which could include network analysis, sales consultant, security specialist, computer support technician or project support officer.

Already working in industry and want to fast track or leverage off past experience?

For graduates already working in the information and communications technology industry, the Associate degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security) may enable you to progress into managerial roles, leading a small team, becoming a specialist in the Cyber Security field.

Potential types of employers

• Banks
• Local, state and federal governments
• Consultancies
• Defence
• Investment companies
• Telecommunication

Open enrolment subjects

The completion of four OUA subjects including the following three: ZAT117, ZAS111, and ZAS113.

Higher education

This Associate Degree is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds.  You may gain admission through the UTAS Pathway Entry – Completed the University Preparation Program or Diploma of University Studies (offered by University of Tasmania). If you are unsuccessful in meeting the Alternative Entry criteria, you will be offered a place in the University Preparation Program or Diploma of University Studies.

Secondary education

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (completed Year 12 or completed Year 10 at least 2 years ago)

To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

• An ATAR result of 40 or greater achieved within the last 5 years; or
• Completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (or equivalent) with a minimum of Satisfactory Achievement (SA) x 5 Level 2 subjects

VET studies

To be eligible for an offer, you must have

• A VET Certificate III or higher (in a related field of study) within the last 10 years

Work and Life

Personal Competency Entry

Completed a Personal Competency Statement as part of the application process and met the criteria for entry. This statement can include prior work experience, qualifications (e.g. VET qualifications), skills, competencies and/or previous education.

Further Information

It is recommended that you submit supporting documentation (e.g. certificates, qualifications, resume etc.) as part of your application. We will attempt to access certain documents on your behalf (e.g. Year 11 and 12 College results or University academic records). Otherwise, you may be contacted to provide additional documentation when your application is reviewed.

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.

The Associate Degree in Applied Technologies is a new pathway to a career in an exciting high-tech field: Cyber Security. This program has been developed in response to industry demand for graduates with practical skills in these rapidly expanding areas. 

Throughout the degree, you’ll acquire hands-on experience with real world issues facing almost every industry today, such as automation, information security and data analysis. With its work-based, industry-led delivery and its emphasis on applied technology, the program is a world away from traditional IT degrees. 

The two year (full time) duration also means that you’ll graduate faster with highly relevant work-ready skills. If you’ve never considered a career in IT but love all things ‘tech’, this program could be for you! Industry experts have helped to develop the course and are actively involved in the delivery through teaching, site visits, case studies and work placements. This ensures that you’ll be equipped with best practice processes and skills for a rapidly developing career path. 

Completing our Associate Degree in Applied Technology (Cyber Security) will give you a pathway to a great career in exciting and rapidly evolving technologies, practical skills to take straight into the workplace opportunities to advance in your chosen field an in-depth knowledge of industry requirements the skills to help you meet personal career development goals.

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-ZAB114 Data and Analysis
    • TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
    • TAS-ZAT111 Computer Networks
    • TAS-ZAT113 Programming Principles
    • TAS-ZAT119  Data Analysis for Cyber Security
    • TAS-ZAT118  Industry Project A 
  • 2 Utas subjects chosen from the elective subject options

• Year 2. 8 subjects in the second year
  • 6 compulsory subjects:
    • TAS-ZAT221 IT Security Management
    • TAS-ZAT219  Concepts and Procedures for Cyber Security
    • TAS-ZAT215 Ethical Hacking
    • TAS-ZAS233 Managing Projects
    • TAS-ZAT217 Information Security
    • TAS-ZAT222 Design Thinking & Digital Innovation
  • 2 Utas subjects chosen from the elective subject options

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 16 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 5 years from commencement.

Exit Points

After successful completion of the first year of the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security), students may exit the qualification with a Diploma of Applied Technologies.