Work

Educational Transition Pathway: Australian Veterans’ Experiences of the Bachelor of Cyber Security

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article evaluates the University of Southern Queensland’s competency-based Bachelor of Cyber Security pilot program (2023-2025), designed to support veterans’ transition from Defence to the cybersecurity industry. Responding to three societal imperatives – veterans’ employment challenges, the Australian government’s call for more cybersecurity personnel, and the Australian Qualifications Framework’s mandate to recognise prior learning – the Bachelor of Cyber Security co-designs curriculum with industry and embeds recognition of prior learning from military contexts. It integrates industry certifications and offers a paid 12-month internship, enabling veterans to consolidate workplace expertise while earning academic credit. Findings from qualitative interviews with veteran students and University of Southern Queensland staff, as well as analysis of program documentation, indicate that competency-based learning can alleviate skills shortages and offer higher education providers a scalable model to recognise prior learning, support national security workforce strategies, and expand access for underrepresented cohorts.

Source: The Journal of Continuing Higher Education

DOI: 10.1080/07377363.2026.2721841

Authors: Lyn Alderman, Sherree Dawn Halliwell, Renee Ireland

Institution: University of Southern Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Learning Practices

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Queensland Government