Deakin will be the first university in Australia to offer a fully accredited cyber security qualification, under Australia’s first cyber security course accreditation scheme.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the only body in Australia with the power to accredit IT courses and has recently added cyber security to its accreditations.

While cyber security courses are currently offered at many universities and other educational institutions across Australia, until now none of these courses have been accredited by an external and independent body.

ACS accreditation means that universities and other institutions offering cyber security courses will have to meet a series of accreditation standards set by the ACS, developed in consultation with government and industry.

Deakin’s School of Information Technology has been offering a Bachelor and a Master in Cyber Security over the past three years, however the new accreditation elevates the rigour and status of the courses significantly, with Deakin achieving stringent accreditation standards.

Professor Karen Hapgood, Deakin’s Executive Dean of Science Engineering and Built Environment, says Deakin’s new cyber security accreditation demonstrates the high quality and academic integrity of its cyber security courses.

High-quality curriculum

“Deakin is proud to be able to offer students a fully accredited cyber security course that will be recognised industry-wide and overseas,” Professor Hapgood said.

“It certainly endorses the high-quality curriculum and the high quality of academic staff teaching our courses and validates Deakin’s decision last year to update its cyber security courses in line with industry and world needs.

“As cyber security becomes more important to our national and global security than ever before, it is vital that students can take comfort that they are being taught at the highest possible level.”

ACS President Yohan Ramasundara said ACS has long been recognised as the accrediting body for technology-related degrees and post-graduate qualifications related to initial professional practice.

“With the growing need for expertise in cyber security for our evolving and growing digital economy, introducing recognition for specialist cyber security qualifications and expertise was a must,” Mr Ramasundara said.

About 500 students study a Bachelor or Master of Cyber Security at Deakin each year, with an average annual intake of 150 students.