As you work towards your Master of Cyber Security (MCS), you'll develop a thorough understanding of the technical, legal, policy and management aspects of cyber security. You'll learn about cloud computing technologies and computer infrastructure, as well as the law relating to cyber security.
You'll gain skills relating to detecting security breaches, preventative security and offensive security. This includes computer system penetration testing. You'll learn how to think innovatively and develop the ability to apply your knowledge so you can work at an advanced level as a professional in cyber security.
When you study cyber security at Waikato, you'll have the opportunity to work with, and learn from award-winning cyber security experts such as Dr Ryan Ko. Our academics also have strong international connections with industry and government, such as the National Cyber Policy Office and INTERPOL.
For students with an undergraduate degree, this degree requires a total of 180 points consisting of 75 points of compulsory 500 level taught papers, a 60 point dissertation, and another 45 points of appropriate 500 level taught papers. Students with an honours degree or a postgraduate diploma are required to do the compulsory taught papers and the 60 point dissertation.
* Students are to choose at least one from the following three Infrastructure papers (15 points):
(a) COMP501 Topics in Operating Systems
(b) COMP513 Topics in Computer Networks
(c) COMP514 Carrier and ISP Networks
**45 points of appropriate 500 level computer science papers.
***Capable students may opt for COMP593 Computer Science Thesis (90 points) as an alternative to COMP592, subject to the Dean's approval. This will result in 15 points remaining for a relevant 500 level paper, on top of the compulsory 15 point Infrastructure paper
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand. You'll have 24 hour access to computer labs running the latest industry standard software.
The University of Waikato is also home to New Zealand’s first cyber security lab, where the Cybersecurity Researchers of Waikato (CROW) operate from – the creators of the annual New Zealand Cyber Security Challenge.
Demand for trained professionals in cyber security is increasing globally at 3.5 times the rate of the overall job market. Once you've completed your training in this area, you'll be qualified to do a number of different types of roles in an industry with a 'near zero' unemployment rate.
Our graduates are in high demand and most of our alumni work in the top public and private organisations in New Zealand and internationally – like Sjoerd de Feijter, who is now a Junior Software Engineer for multinational corporation Gallagher.
Career opportunities
