Accelerating the Transition from Defence to Cybersecurity Industry: An Innovative, Competency-Based Learning Degree
Lyn Alderman, Sherree Dawn Halliwell, Neil Curtis, Daniel Vincent · The Journal of Continuing Higher Education · 2025
This article advances an innovative, competency-based learning degree that engages recognition of prior learning pathways to support veterans’ transition from Defence into the cybersecurity industry. This program responds to three intersecting societal phenomena. First, there is growing concern regarding veterans’ transition from the Defence into civilian employment. Second, the Australian government has foregrounded the need for accelerated investment in Australian cybersecurity personnel. Third, the Australian Qualifications Framework aims to broaden access to higher education by requiring providers to consider prior learning at the point of admission or during candidature. Accordingly, the University of Southern Queensland’s bespoke Bachelor of Cyber Security is designed with, and for, industry in response to pressing societal needs. Further, this pathway recognises veterans’ prior work experience in Defence and elsewhere, integrates cybersecurity industry certifications, and offers veterans an opportunity to gain a formal academic qualification and sought-after industry experience through a paid one-year internship.