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Master of Applied Cybersecurity

Degree Summary

Program Outcomes

Program Structure

Faculty

Accreditation

Admission Requirements

Duration

15 - 24 months
12 subjects

Classes commence

September (Autumn)

January (Winter)

April (Spring)

Fees*

AED 9,415.35 / USD 2,565 per subject
*VAT 5% inclusive

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical fields in today’s digital economy, with governments and organisations worldwide investing heavily to defend against rising cyber threats. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors - from finance and healthcare to defense and energy - the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. The global shortage of cybersecurity talent continues to widen, creating strong demand for experts who can combine technical mastery with strategic oversight.

To meet this urgent market need, the University of Wollongong in Dubai is introducing the Master of Applied Cybersecurity (MACS) - a career-focused, skill-based program designed to equip students with the technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and industry-recognized credentials required to protect critical infrastructure and digital systems in an evolving threat landscape.

Specifically, the program aims to:

Develop industry-ready professionals capable of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating advanced cybersecurity threats.
Equip students with in-demand skills in network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and governance frameworks.
Foster strategic leadership and risk management capabilities to lead cybersecurity teams and initiatives at organisational level.
Offer hands-on learning through real-world case studies, applied labs, and a capstone project aligned with industry challenges.
Support professional certification readiness (including CISSP) to enhance employability and global recognition.

What is Cybersecurity really about & why is it more important than ever?

At its core, cybersecurity is about protecting our digital lives - our data, our privacy, our businesses, and even national infrastructure - from malicious attacks and cyber threats. In an increasingly connected world, every device, transaction, and system become a potential target. Cybersecurity is no longer optional - it’s essential.

What’s required for effective cybersecurity today?

To build strong and resilient cybersecurity systems, three critical pillars are needed:

Pillar 1: Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of security protocols, encryption, networks, and threat detection is essential to defend against ever-evolving cyberattacks.
Pillar 2: Strategic Leadership
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue - it’s a business risk. Organisations need professionals who can align security initiatives with enterprise goals, manage risk, and lead security teams effectively.
Pillar 3: Real-World Application
With cyber threats growing in complexity, applied learning and hands-on experience are key. Success in cybersecurity depends on one’s ability to simulate attacks, respond to incidents, and implement secure systems in real time.

So why are organisations investing heavily in cybersecurity talent?

Because the cost of doing nothing is too high. A single breach can cost millions, damage reputation, and expose sensitive data. As digital transformation accelerates, so do cyber risks - and so does the need for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Digital risk management is now front and center in every organization.

According to industry reports, cybersecurity job demand will outpace supply by over 3.5 million roles globally by 2025. In the UAE and across the region, companies are urgently seeking professionals who can safeguard their digital assets, comply with new regulations, and build resilient systems from the ground up.

What are the challenges in building cybersecurity capability?

The biggest challenge is the shortage of qualified talent. While organisations know they need to act, they struggle to find professionals who possess both deep technical skills and strategic awareness.

That’s exactly where the Master of Applied Cybersecurity degree from the University of Wollongong in Dubai comes in-training the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through a globally aligned, hands-on, and certification-supported master’s program.

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Program Selection Guide

Entry Requirements

Students applying for a master's degree must have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) at an accredited institution of higher education and have achieved the minimum grades outlined below:

Country	Direct Admission	Probationary Entry GPA 2.5-2.99 or equivalent	Conditional Entry GPA 2.0-2.49 or equivalent
Australia	65%	57%	50%
Brazil	7/10	6/10	5/10
China	75%	63%	50%
Colombia	3.5/5	3.25/5	3/5
Egypt	65% (Good)	57%	50% (Pass)
India	50%	45%	40%
	10 Point System: 7.0/10.0	10 Point System: 6.0/10.0	10 Point System: 5.0/10.0
	4 Point System: 3.0/4.0	4 Point System: 2.5/4.0	4 Point System: 2.0/4.0
Iran	14	13	12
Japan	70/100 or 4/5	65/100 or 3.5/5	60/100 or 3/5
Jordan	70%	60%	50%
Kenya	50%	45%	40%
Lebanon	11	10.5	10
Mexico	8/10	7/10	6/10
Nepal	50%	45%	40%
Nigeria	50%	45%	40%
Pakistan	50%	45%	40%
Russia	Average of 4	Average of 3.5	Average of 3
South Korea	80/100	75/100	70/100
UAE	3	2.5	2
UK	2^nd Class Honours with lower division (or min 50%)	45%	Pass (or min 40%)
USA	3	2.5	2

Note:

[1] Unless otherwise stated, the entry requirements above are based on Section I institutions. Further details on alternate entry requirements can be obtained by contacting the Admissions department.
[2] A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field such as IT, engineering, business information systems or any bachelor’s degree with relevant professional experience and/or certification.
[3]Students with bachelor degrees in non-related fields could be admitted to the program subject to an interview and completion of remedial subjects.

English Language Requirements

At UOWD, all classes are taught in English and in order to enrol in a master's degree you will need to submit one of the following certificate of English language proficiency:

English Language Test	Entry Score
IELTS Academic	Overall score of 6.0 with 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.0 in Listening and Speaking
TOEFL Internet-based	79 with not less than 20 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 16 in Speaking
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic	54 over all with Minimum 54 PTE Communicative Skill Scores

Credit for Prior Learning

If you are seeking credit for prior learning, you will need to submit an official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and the grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) for the courses you have successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system. Your eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning will be decided in consultation with UOWD's Faculty Offices prior to the beginning of the program.

To make an application for your chosen program, complete the online application form and submit it along with all your supporting documentation (see below) prior to the application deadline.

Late applications may be accepted subject to the availability of places but applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Supporting Documentation

The following records are required to process your application. Please ensure that all these documents accompany your UOWD application for admission form submittal:

The original transcripts of your bachelor’s degree results
A Certificate of Completion

(If the above documents are not in English, a certified English translation is required)

Proof of your english language proficiency

(Note: Results from IELTS & TOEFL tests must be sent to the University directly from the IELTS or TOEFL testing centres quoting the UOWD institution code IELTS: AE109 / TOEFL: 7907)

Your current resume or CV
A copy of your UAE ID card (if applying from within the UAE)
A copy of your passport (and Residence Visa, if resident in the UAE).

Additionally, if you are seeking advance standing in your chosen program:

Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) of the courses you successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system.

Attestation of Documents

Applications are required to obtain attestation / equivalency of their bachelor’s degree from the UAE Ministry of Education. The attestation / equivalency process is dependent upon whether you completed your bachelor’s degree within the UAE or outside the UAE.

If the bachelor’s degree was completed outside UAE, you must have your bachelor’s degree and transcripts/mark sheets certified by:

The issuing University and/or recognised authority for tertiary education in the host country in which you completed your education
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the host country
The UAE Embassy in that host country OR the Embassy of the host country in UAE must attest the authenticity of the documents and attestations.

Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education must issue an Equivalency Certificate. Applicants must have a valid UAE residency visa when applying for an Equivalency Certificate. In special cases where complying with conditions (2) and (3) are not feasible, the certificates may be verified against originals by Embassies in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you are unable to secure the Equivalency Certificate(s) as outlined above will be asked to sign a “Consent to Provide Documents” form agreeing to secure the equivalency. You will be permitted to commence your studies at UOWD, but will be given a maximum of one semester to obtain the equivalency certificate(s). UOWD reserves the right to take appropriate action against any applicant who cannot secure the appropriate documentation in this time, which may result in the termination of the student’s enrolment at UOWD.

For more information or assistance on attesting documents from outside UAE, click here.

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Program Structure

The Master of Applied Cybersecurity program is a 72-credit point (CP) postgraduate degree designed to accommodate both technical and non-technical learners. The program structure supports a progressive, skill-based learning pathway, integrating foundational knowledge, advanced cybersecurity practice, and applied research or industry-based projects.

The program consists of:

Foundation Component (4 subjects – 24 cp): Designed for students from non-technical or adjacent fields, this stage covers the essential knowledge in IT systems, networking, programming, and digital forensics.
Core Component (6 subjects – 36 cp): Focused on advanced cybersecurity domains including cryptography, network security, cloud and IoT security, secure software development, and cybersecurity strategy and governance.
Capstone Project (1 subject – 12 cp): A two-trimester applied research or industry-based project that allows students to solve real-world cybersecurity challenges and demonstrate mastery of both technical and managerial competencies.

The full program comprises 12 subjects (72 cp), while eligible students with relevant academic or professional background may complete the program in just 48 cp.

Cybersecurity Subjects

Foundation Subjects

This foundation-level subject introduces students to the core concepts of computing systems, networking, and cybersecurity. It is designed to support learners in acquiring essential knowledge needed for more advanced cybersecurity topics. Students will explore the structure and function of modern computing systems, basic operating system features, networking principles, and the core goals of cybersecurity. Through hands-on workshops and lab exercises, they will learn to identify threats and vulnerabilities, recognize foundational security practices, and apply basic protective measures. By the end of the subject, students will have the confidence and background required to progress into more technical cybersecurity domains.

This subject provides a foundational understanding of computer networking and Internet architecture for postgraduate students entering the cybersecurity field. Students are introduced to core networking principles, protocols, devices, and communication models through theory and practical exercises. Topics include network models, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, protocol behavior, and basic network security. Hands-on workshops using industry tools such as Wireshark allow students to analyze real network traffic and simulate security scenarios. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to describe and troubleshoot basic network environments and assess potential security risks in networked systems.

This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of programming and scripting in the context of cybersecurity. Through practical exercises using Python and shell scripting, students will learn to write, test, and debug scripts that automate common tasks such as log analysis, data extraction, file manipulation, and vulnerability scanning. The subject focuses on real-world use cases in cybersecurity, helping students apply foundational coding concepts to solve simple security problems. By the end of the subject, students will be able to develop lightweight security tools and understand the role of scripting in professional security operations.

This subject combines research training with modern design thinking skills to develop students’ ability to conduct research, analyze needs, and identify requirements for innovative solutions. The subject covers the following topics: Introduction to research methods, ethical considerations in research, qualitative and quantitative research methods, mixed methods approach, role of innovation in digital transformation, Design thinking principles and Lifecyle, and applying design thinking techniques to real-life problems.

Core Subjects

In today’s threat landscape, securing enterprise networks requires more than basic defenses. This subject provides an in-depth exploration of modern network security techniques and real-time threat detection strategies. It covers the architecture and operation of firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. Students will learn how to identify suspicious activity through traffic anomaly detection, conduct log analysis, and engage in proactive threat hunting. By the end of the subject, students will be able to design, configure, and evaluate advanced network security solutions and apply industry tools to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time.

This subject offers a deep dive into modern cryptographic systems, focusing on their protocols, applications, and alignment with current industry standards. It covers the design, implementation, and evaluation of encryption techniques such as TLS/SSL, AES-GCM, digital signatures (ECDSA, EdDSA), and public key infrastructures (PKI). Students will also explore advanced topics including zero-knowledge proofs, post-quantum cryptography, and secure key exchange mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on practical skill development through the use of cryptographic libraries (e.g. OpenSSL, libsodium) and applied protocol design. By the end of the subject, students will be equipped to critically evaluate cryptographic tools and implement secure systems in enterprise and emerging technology contexts.

This subject explores the intersection of software security and ethical hacking, equipping students with the skills to develop secure applications and assess software for vulnerabilities. It covers key secure coding practices based on OWASP Top 10, alongside techniques such as static and dynamic code analysis, fuzz testing, and exploit development. Students will also learn foundational penetration testing methodologies and ethical hacking principles. Emphasis is placed on applying these skills through hands-on exercises, code auditing, and structured security testing of real-world systems. By the end of the subject, students will be able to identify, prevent, and mitigate software vulnerabilities through secure coding and testing practices.

This subject covers the security challenges and solutions associated with modern computing environments, focusing on cloud systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, containerized applications, and emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI. Students will analyze vulnerabilities specific to these technologies and apply industry best practices for securing infrastructure, services, and data flows across diverse architectures. Emphasis is placed on hardening configurations, deploying secure edge computing systems, evaluating threat models for IoT ecosystems, and understanding the implications of integrating AI and blockchain technologies. By the end of the subject, students will be able to assess, design, and implement resilient security strategies across cutting-edge digital environments.

This subject equips students with the strategic and operational capabilities to lead cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) initiatives in both global and regional contexts. Students will learn to apply risk assessment methodologies, design governance policies aligned with organizational objectives, and navigate complex regulatory environments. The course integrates international frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST, GDPR, and HIPAA with UAE-specific cybersecurity mandates, including the UAE Information Assurance Standards (IAS), UAE Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021), and Dubai Cyber Security Strategy. Students will develop skills in policy development, risk mitigation, compliance auditing, and professional conduct — preparing them to contribute meaningfully to cybersecurity oversight across public and private sectors in the UAE and beyond.

This subject develops the strategic and operational leadership capabilities required to manage modern cybersecurity programs in alignment with organizational objectives. Drawing inspiration from frameworks like CISSP and integrating real-world executive practices, students will explore how to evaluate and align cybersecurity strategy with business governance structures, design and oversee enterprise risk and compliance initiatives, and lead security operations across key functions including incident response, threat monitoring, and business continuity. The subject emphasizes the role of leadership in building a strong security culture, supporting the development of policy frameworks, managing operational priorities, and communicating effectively with executives, regulators, and stakeholders. Topics include security governance, security program management, metrics and budgeting, risk-driven decision making, incident and crisis coordination, disaster recovery, and communication strategy. By the end of the subject, students will be able to contribute to strategic cybersecurity planning, support audit and compliance efforts, and assume leadership responsibilities within security-focused teams and initiatives.

Capstone Project

This is a two-semester capstone subject designed to integrate and apply the skills and knowledge developed throughout the Master of Applied Cybersecurity program. In Semester 1, students learn research methods, explore cybersecurity problem spaces, and prepare a structured proposal for either an industry-based or research-based project. Through workshops and one-on-one mentoring, they develop research questions, conduct literature reviews, apply ethical principles, and design appropriate methodologies. In Semester 2, students execute their proposed work, either by solving a real-world problem in collaboration with industry or conducting original academic research. The final outputs include a formal thesis and a presentation/defense of their work. The subject emphasizes planning, critical thinking, scholarly writing, innovation, and professional communication, preparing students to contribute to cybersecurity knowledge and practice.

Exit Points:

Graduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity
Graduate Diploma in Applied Cybersecurity

Note: Please consult the School of Computer Science for more details.

Certification Support:

To further enhance career readiness, the program includes embedded support for the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification - one of the most respected credentials in the cybersecurity industry.

Students will benefit from:

CISSP exam vouchers, provided as part of the program
Dedicated CISSP preparation workshops and bootcamps, organised during the academic year to reinforce key knowledge areas and prepare effectively for the certification exam.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master’s degree program in Applied Cybersecurity, students will be able to:

Evaluate cybersecurity threats, risks, and vulnerabilities, and formulate appropriate technical and strategic responses to protect digital systems and critical assets.
Assess and apply advanced cybersecurity technologies, frameworks, and standards to design secure digital solutions and address complex security challenges.
Work independently and collaboratively in a manner that reflects ethical, legal, and professional standards relevant to the cybersecurity discipline.
Apply cryptographic, forensic, and penetration testing techniques to detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents in real-world contexts.
Conduct independent and collaborative cybersecurity research, synthesize key information, and apply expert judgment to generate practical or theoretical insights.
Demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, and effectively manage cybersecurity initiatives in organizational settings.

Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:

Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Engineer
Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
Information Security Manager
Cybersecurity Consultant
Security Architect
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Accreditation and Recognition

All degrees at the University of Wollongong in Dubai are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Education and are licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). In addition, the degree is quality assured by UOW, which is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the national regulator of the higher education sector in Australia.

Students will be issued a UOW Australia degree upon graduation.

Prof May El Barachi

Dean
School of Computer Science

Prof May El Barachi is a distinguished professor, academic leader, and the Dean of the School of Computer Science at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. She is known for her transformative leadership, having launched pioneering programs such as the region’s first Master of Digital Transformation and significantly expanded student enrollment. With a strong track record in industry collaboration and over AED 5 million in research funding, she combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to drive innovation and excellence in education.

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Master of Applied Cybersecurity

Degree Summary

Program Outcomes

Program Structure

Faculty

Accreditation

Admission Requirements

Duration

Classes commence

Fees*

Enquire Now

Program Selection Guide

View Program Structure

Program Structure

Foundation Subjects

Foundations of Cybersecurity & IT SystemsMACS801 | 6 cp

Computer Networks & Internet ArchitectureMACS802 | 6 cp

Programming & Scripting for Security ApplicationsMACS803 | 6 cp

Digital Forensics & Incident ResponseMACS804 | 6 cp

Core Subjects

Advanced Network Security & Threat DetectionMACS901 | 6 cp

Modern CryptographyMACS902 | 6 cp

Secure Software Development & Penetration TestingMACS903 | 6 cp

Cloud, IoT & Emerging Tech SecurityMACS904 | 6 cp

Cybersecurity Governance, Risk & ComplianceMACS905 | 6 cp

Cybersecurity Strategy & LeadershipMACS906| 6 cp

Capstone Project

Applied Cybersecurity ProjectMACS999 | 12 cp

Exit Points:

Certification Support:

Program Outcomes

Accreditation and Recognition

Prof May El Barachi

Faculty

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