Bachelor of Information Technology Specialisation in Computer Networks and Security
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) with a specialisation in Computer Networks and Security equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, configure, and secure modern enterprise networks. Through a structured combination of core IT units and specialised units, students develop expertise in network architecture, routing and switching, wireless systems, and cloud-based networking solutions.
The networking units within the program are aligned with industry standards and prepare students to attempt the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam (CCNA 200-301), providing a globally recognised credential to enhance career opportunities. Complementing these are dedicated cybersecurity units that focus on emerging threats, defensive strategies, incident response, and resilience planning, enabling graduates to design systems that withstand and adapt to evolving cyber risks.
Students gain hands-on experience in configuring secure infrastructures, analysing vulnerabilities, and applying best-practice frameworks to real-world challenges. Emphasis is also placed on problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility, ensuring graduates are ready to meet both the technical and organisational demands of the IT profession.
Career opportunities include roles such as Network Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Security Risk Analyst, Systems Administrator, Ethical Hacker, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst. Graduates are well-prepared to thrive in a rapidly growing field central to the digital economy.
Course Structure
To qualify for the award, students are required to successfully complete the eleven (11) core units listed below, plus six (6) specialisation units and seven (7) other electives from the BIS, ICT or BUS options not yet selected. This totals to 24 units which is equivalent to 144 credit points.
Core Units
| Unit Code and Title | Credit Points* | Pre-requisite(s) |
|---|---|---|
| BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems | 6 | Nil |
| BIS1002 Data and Information Management | 6 | Nil |
| BIS1003 Introduction to Programming | 6 | Nil |
| BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking | 6 | BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems |
| BIS2002 Systems Analysis and Design | 6 | BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems |
| BIS2003 IS Project Management | 6 | BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems |
| BIS2005 Enterprise Architecture | 6 | BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems |
| BUS1001 Professional Development and Business Communication | 6 | Nil |
| BUS2003 Sustainability and Ethics | 6 | Nil |
| ICT3054 IT Capstone Industry Project A | 6 | BUS2003 Sustainability and Ethics BIS2003 IS Project Management |
| ICT3055 IT Capstone Industry Project B | 6 | ICT3054 IT Capstone Industry Project A |
*A unit worth 6 credit points is equal to 0.125 Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL).
Specialisation Units
| Unit Code and Title | Credit Points* | Pre-requisite(s) |
|---|---|---|
| BIS3004 IS Security and Risk Management^ | 6 | BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking |
| BIS3005 Cloud Computing^ | 6 | BIS2005 Enterprise Architecture |
| ICT3050 Routing and Switching^ | 6 | BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking |
| ICT3051 Enterprise Networking^ | 6 | BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking |
| ICT3052 Digital Forensics^ | 6 | BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking |
| ICT3053 Cyber Defence^ | 6 | BIS2001 IT Infrastructure and Networking |
*A unit worth 6 credit points is equal to 0.125 Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL).
Elective Units
Select any seven (7) electives from the options below not yet selected.
| Unit Code and Title | Credit Points* | Pre-requisite(s) |
|---|---|---|
| BIS2004 Object Oriented Programming | 6 | BIS1003 Introduction to Programming |
| BIS2006 Management of Information Systems | 6 | BIS1001 Foundations of Information Systems |
| BIS3001 Data Analytics for Business^ | 6 | BIS1002 Data and Information Management |
| BIS3002 eCommerce & eBusiness Applications^ | 6 | BIS2006 Management of Information Systems |
| BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management | 6 | Nil |
| BUS1003 Mathematics and Statistics | 6 | Nil |
| BUS1004 Foundations of Accounting | 6 | Nil |
| BUS1006 Introduction to Business Law | 6 | Nil |
| BUS1007 Finance | 6 | Nil |
| BUS2001 Project Management Fundamentals and Practices | 6 | BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management |
| BUS2004 Human Resource Management | 6 | BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management |
| BUS2006 Marketing and Sales Management | 6 | BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management |
| BUS2007 Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 6 | BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management |
| BUS2008 Strategic Planning | 6 | BUS1002 Fundamentals of Management |
| BUS3006 Leadership and Governance | 6 | BUS2004 Human Resource Management |
| BUS3008 Project Execution Planning and Management | 6 | BUS2001 Project Management Fundamentals and Practices |
| BUS3009 Project Development & Optimisation | 6 | BUS2001 Project Management Fundamentals and Practices |
*A unit worth 6 credit points is equal to 0.125 Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL).
Admission Requirements
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Entry Requirements
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English Language Requirements(For International Students)
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FEE-HELP(For Domestic Students)
All domestic and international applicants for APIC courses must be 18 years of age or over at the commencement of their course and hold the relevant academic or equivalent qualifications that are consistent with the requirements to commence study, leading to an AQF Level 7 award. English language requirements for international students are provided in the next tab.
Applicants must have successfully completed:
- Year 12 qualification in Australia; OR
- International recognised equivalent to an Australian Year 12; OR
- a Certificate IV (AQF 4) or higher awarded by a recognised higher education/vocational provider; OR
- a General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A) with three or more C Grades; OR
- a completed International Baccalaureate Diploma; OR
- an undergraduate preparation program or international equivalent.
For more information on admission requirements including special entry requirements, please refer to the APIC Admission Policy.
All applicants from a non-English speaking background applying to any AQF Level 7 qualification at APIC must satisfy the following English language requirements (or their equivalents):
- IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.0 or higher, with a minimum score of 5.5 in writing and speaking; OR
- IBT (Internet-based TOEFL): overall score of 65 with a writing section minimum of 21 and speaking 18; OR
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Total score of 169 or over with no band below 162 in writing and speaking; OR
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 169 or over with no band below 162 in writing and speaking; OR
- PTE Academic Module with a minimum score of 50 with a writing and speaking minimum score of 42.
FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan available to eligible students enrolled in APIC Courses in order to help pay all or part of their tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is available for all Units of Study for eligible students.
Details about HELP loans including eligibility requirements and repayment of a HELP debt can be found here.
The current FEE-HELP Information Booklet can be downloaded here.
If you have any questions about applying for FEE-HELP please contact us at: [email protected]
Course Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BIT will be able to:
- Integrate the components of the core body of knowledge in information technology and security.
- Evaluate ethical implications of information technology in society.
- Devise technical solutions to typical or novel situations using intellectual independence and judgement.
- Persuade stakeholders of appropriate solutions in a clear and coherent manner.
- Synthesise skills and knowledge to develop solutions to IT problems and deliver an applied capstone IT project.
Accreditation
- APIC courses are nationally accredited and registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and included in the National Register of Higher Education Providers.
- APIC is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). BIT CRICOS Code is 108728G
Skill Development
- Broad knowledge and skills in computer networks and security
- Cyber defence strategies
- Designing network systems
- Resilience in cyber threats
- IT Systems Security
- Network configuration, routing, and switching
- Cloud security and virtualised infrastructure
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Incident response planning, disaster recovery, and business continuity
- Security governance, compliance, and ethical responsibilities
- Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving in cybersecurity contexts
- Practical skills with industry-standard tools (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, penetration testing frameworks)
- Awareness of emerging technologies and cybersecurity trends
Career Outcomes
Possible employment:
- IT Security Specialist
- Security Risk Analyst
- Network Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Officer
- Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
- Systems Security Administrator
- Incident Response Specialist
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Cyber Defence Operations Specialist
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialist
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- Identity and Access Management Specialist
- IT Auditor (Security Focus)
- Vulnerability Assessment Consultant