Overview

Modern life runs on connected systems, and the people who design, protect and maintain those systems keep businesses and individuals safe online. The BIT (Hons) Networking and Cyber Security at Adelaide University gives students a solid grounding in information technology principles before moving into specialised study of network design and security. Students learn to build and defend IT infrastructure, with in-depth coverage of cloud concepts, infrastructure architecture and technological defence methods. Purpose-built workspaces provide access to industry hardware and software from vendors such as Cisco, Fortinet, VMware and AWS, so practical skills reflect real working environments. The program was designed with industry input, and a final-stage project with an industry client brings together technical expertise and professional skills. The degree is provisionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society. It suits students who are drawn to technology, problem solving and security, and who want to become specialists able to strengthen network protection and safeguard data.

What You’ll Learn

Programming, structured data and IT systems fundamentals

Network foundations and network design

Security foundations, cyber tools and attacks

Offensive security

Network security and enterprise networks

Security operations and incident response

Information assurance and risk management

Cloud platforms and unstructured data

Systems requirements, agile development and user experience

Professional communication, teamwork and business skills for IT professionals

A capstone project or internship working with industry

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, graduates will understand how IT systems, networks and cloud platforms are designed and how they interact, from individual components through to enterprise-scale infrastructure. They will be able to design and configure network solutions and to secure them using proven defensive methods, while also understanding how attackers think and operate through study of cyber tools and offensive security. Students develop practical skills in monitoring, incident response and risk management, supported by hands-on work with industry-standard hardware and software. They learn to assess threats critically and to make evidence-based decisions about protecting information and infrastructure. Teamwork, communication and professional practice are strengthened through collaborative work and the final-stage industry project. Common first-year IT studies and a choice of electives allow students to build breadth, and the major provides the depth needed to specialise. Graduates finish ready for roles such as security analyst, network administrator or systems administrator, and for further study in the field.