Security science is the fastest-growing field of study in Australia, with the 2021 census revealing a 460 per cent increase in the number of people qualified in the area over the last five years.
If you’re unsure about what to study in Australia, why not consider a degree in intelligence and security?
What is security science?
Security scientists study threats, risks and vulnerable security situations. They use scientific tools and methodologies to understand security as a whole, learning about security problems that are present now, as well as those that may arise in the future.
Security science is a new discipline that combines security management (with jobs in areas like management, business, finance, administration and policy), the built environment (such as physical and technological environments) and security principles. The discipline is informed and directed by security risk management, which develops strategies to mitigate security risks. Security science is interdisciplinary, and the knowledge can be applied in other areas of study, like sociology, economics and law.
Why study security science?
Security science is growing as a discipline and opportunities within the industry have grown too. Unlike other scientific fields, security science is relatively new, meaning that more jobs are emerging every day. There are countless technologies and systems that rely on strong security to function, which means there is plenty of variety in the type of jobs available. In addition, security science is the least populated field of technology, with two job openings existing for every qualified candidate.
Jobs in cybersecurity also pay well. Cybercrimes are estimated to cost Australian businesses $29 billion every year, meaning that companies are willing to invest in people who can protect their assets. The average cybersecurity analyst will earn $77,000 per year, with the highest-paid workers making upwards of $100,000 annually. You might be asking if this growth can continue, but the predictions are that between now and 2027 18,000 more cybersecurity roles will need to be filled. Rest assured, you’ll still be needed!
What are the career pathways?
A degree in security science has many career pathways. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand from the government and private sectors. For example, the Australian Government has recently created a National Security Science and Technology Centre, where they plan to research security science and technology solutions to defend Australia against emerging threats.
Career options in cybersecurity are very diverse, as it’s a role that is needed across different sectors, such as information technology, education, health, banking, telecommunications, transport, energy and retail. Where there is information or transactions online, experts in security will be in high demand.
Where can I study security science?
There are many places to study security science in Australia. For example, Macquarie University in Sydney and Edith Cowan University in Perth both offer specialised courses in the field. Edith Cowan University students get to experience security up close, with visits to maximum-security prisons and state convention centres. Graduates from Macquarie have gone on to work with companies like KPMG, Qantas, New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police. Both universities offer these courses to international students, with study opportunities open for 2023. Security science needs more trained professionals and there is certainly an opportunity for you!
