Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Cyber Security)

Upon successful completion of this degree, students should be able to:

1. Apply problem solving, design and decision making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
2. Reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and self-management processes, and manage their own time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing of personal performance as a means of managing continuing professional development and lifelong learning.
3. Perform project management tasks to support the completion of advanced discipline projects.
4. Identify, select and use technologies and tools relevant to the specialised discipline to generate, manage, maintain and share information.
5. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional discipline practice in a global and sustainable context.
6. Apply effective communication skills in a professional context to interpret, evaluate and present technical discipline information using oral, written, visual modes.

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:
  • 7 compulsory subjects:
    • TAS-ZAS111 Introduction to Industry
    • TAS-ZAT111 Computer Networks
    • TAS-ZAS113 Applied Maths
    • TAS-ZAT113 Programming Principles
    • TAS-ZAT115 IT Security Management
    • TAS-ZAT117 Design Thinking and Innovation
    • TAS-ZAT118 Industry Project A.
  • 1 subjects chosen from the available elective subject options:
    • TAS-ZAB118 Agribusiness and Feasibility
    • TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
• Year 2. 8 subjects in the second year (Coming in 2021)
  • 7 compulsory subjects:
    • TAS-ZAT211 Data Handling and Management
    • TAS-ZAT213 Data Analysis for Cyber Security
    • TAS-ZAT215 Ethical Hacking
    • TAS-ZAS223 Managing Projects, People & Yourself
    • TAS-ZAT217 Information Security
    • TAS-ZAS225 Technology and Innovation
    • TAS-ZAT219 Concepts and Procedures for Cyber Security
  • 1 subject to be chosen from the electives available:
    • TAS-ZAA236 Managing Events
    • TAS-ZAB221 Fundamental Principles of Agriculture (A)
    • TAS-ZAB222 Fundamental Principles of Agriculture (B)

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.

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.

• Year 1 core subjects

• Year 1 elective subjects

• Year 2 core subjects

• Year 2 elective subjects (Coming in 2021)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,040

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

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

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.

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

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

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.