Swinburne University of Technology

Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Develop practical cyber security skills to identify, diagnose and respond to security risks across software systems, web applications and networks.

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security develops computer science and cyber security knowledge with a focus on identifying and diagnosing vulnerabilities in software systems, web applications and internet-based services.

Students build practical capabilities across areas including internet security, network administration, cyber security fundamentals and emerging security threats. The course builds on previous STEM study or relevant industry experience and incorporates industry-supported project-based learning aligned with professional cyber security practice.

Students complete eight core units totalling 100 credit points. Standard units are worth 12.5 credit points, with the course normally completed in one year full time or equivalent part time.

The course is delivered at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus and forms the first stage of a nested pathway leading into the Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security and Master of Cyber Security.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time.
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,636
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.

From $1,192 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.
Campus
Hawthorn
Intake
3rd August, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity, students must complete eight units or 100 credit points.

Core units

  • Creating Web Applications
  • Technology Inquiry Project
  • Technology Design Project
  • Internet Security
  • Cyber Ethics
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices
  • Network Administration
  • Networks and Switching

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following:

  • A Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline.
  • A non-STEM Bachelor's degree, plus three years of industry experience in web development, cybersecurity, software development or related fields.
  • A non-STEM Bachelor's degree, plus a Certificate IV or higher in a cybersecurity-related field.

Relevant industry experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Head of Academic Unit (or delegate) regarding School-determined guiding principles. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.

Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration and evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant experience is used as the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted. Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee a place offer. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
  • Swinburne English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced) with an overall result of 70%, with all skills 65% or above.
  • Or equivalent measures.

These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Apply a broad and coherent understanding of the concepts and practices within the field of cyber security as an effective member of diverse teams in a professional context
  • Identify cyber security threats and apply appropriate tools and techniques to classify those threats
  • Analyse cyber security scenarios, evaluate the existing knowledge base and propose solutions
  • Apply relevant knowledge and skills to implement a Cyber security project with industry relevance
  • Communicate information proficiently to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and manage their own time and processes effectively, both individually and as an effective member of diverse teams

Career outcomes

  • The skills attained from the program should assist graduates in gaining employment in the anti-virus, penetration testing and web security industries.

Fees and CSP

Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $37,090 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • 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.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.