Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

What you will study

Students must complete 24 units comprising four core courses. Each course is worth six units.

Core courses

Complete exactly 24 units from the following:

• OL Business Data & Cyber Security (M)
• OL Information Risks, Threats and Controls (M)
• Advanced Cyber Security: Techniques & Concepts
• Political Institutions and Policy-Making
• Foundations of Computer Science - Python A

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Completion of an award in networking and information technology from a registered training organisation (RTO) at diploma (AQF level 6) or higher; AND
• Two years of relevant work experience.

Higher education study

• A completed Bachelor of Computer Science (AQF level 7) or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Work and life experience

• At least three years of work experience in computer science or cybersecurity.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

The online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security provides a flexible and interactive learning experience.

• You’ll learn how to design secure systems, rethink the approach to privacy, conduct risk assessments and implement effective security controls.
• Across the program, you’ll learn systems thinking, analysis and communication skills to bridge the gap between business and IT.
• In the cybersecurity fundamentals course, you’ll examine both the attacker’s and defender’s viewpoints through real-world scenarios.
• You’ll also investigate the political and economic implications of cyber attacks, examining case studies and policy frameworks for the wider context.
• Learn problem-solving methods to communicate and address cybersecurity threats confidently and gain the skills to mitigate threats through assessments, policies and defence plans.
• With an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques used in the cyber community, you'll be ready to effectively evaluate published cybersecurity research and present your findings to industry peers and professionals.

Career outcomes

You might be a penetration tester, conducting ethical hacking to identify vulnerabilities in systems, then providing recommendations for improvements. You could play a pivotal role in Australia’s cyber defence strategy by developing policies and guidelines. Perhaps you’ll join the frontline of cybersecurity, identifying and mitigating threats to Australia’s financial institutions.

Other potential roles in the field include:

• Threat Intelligence Analyst
• IT Security Specialist
• Network Security Administrator
• Security Architect
• Incident Response Manager
• Government Cybersecurity Consultant

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative total fee in 2026: $14,692 per 0.5 of a year (domestic full-fee paying place)

Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. The total cost of the program is displayed.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.