Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security

What you will study

Students must complete 48 units comprising 42 units for all core courses and six units from the core selectives. Each course is worth six units.

Core courses

Complete 42 units for all of the following:

• OL Business Data & Cyber Security (M)
• OL Information Risks, Threats and Controls (M)
• Introduction to System Security
• Advanced Cyber Security: Techniques & Concepts
• Research Methods for Cyber Security
• OL Human and Ethical Factors in Computer Science
• Applied Privacy

Core selective

Complete exactly six units from the following:

• Foundations of Computer Science - Python A
• Political Institutions and Policy-Making

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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students' prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

There are many careers available in the virtual world. You could be a criminologist who specialises in cyber security, collaborating with law enforcement to analyse cybercrimes and develop prevention strategies. You might be a government intelligence officer, identifying potential threats and producing reports for decision-makers. Perhaps you’ll work as a cybersecurity defender, analysing attacks and documenting vulnerabilities.

You could also be a:

• IT Security Specialist
• Network Security Administrator
• Incident Response Analyst
• Vulnerability Analyst
• Risk Analyst
• Security Consultant
• Access Management Specialist

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative total fee in 2026: $29,384 (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.