University of New South Wales
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Learn how to identify cyber threats, understand vulnerabilities and protect digital systems while developing the technical and strategic foundations needed to respond to evolving security challenges.
Course overview
Providing an entry point into the evolving field of cyber security, the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is designed for aspiring and current professionals seeking foundational technical and strategic capability. The program develops an understanding of how organisations can protect digital systems and information while responding to increasingly complex security threats.
By examining how vulnerabilities emerge and cyber threats affect digital environments, you'll develop the ability to recognise security risks and consider appropriate approaches to protecting systems and information. You'll also strengthen your understanding of the privacy, ethical and organisational considerations that influence effective cyber security decisions, with opportunities to extend your capability towards areas aligned with your professional interests.
Studied 100% online over eight months part-time, the program combines practical exposure to contemporary cyber security tools with expertise informed by government, industry and national security environments. It also forms part of a study pathway through the Graduate Diploma to the Master of Cyber Security for those seeking to continue developing their expertise.
"It's not always an easy journey, but it's definitely worth it! If you're looking for flexibility, remote learning, and a high-quality, structured education, UNSW Online is a great choice-something you won't always get from online certifications or bootcamps. As someone who transitioned from a different field, this course was a game-changer in helping me break into cyber security."
William Xiao, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"My newfound cyber security skills have helped me interact with our cyber security team with confidence and given me the insight to call out vulnerabilities and help mitigate them. It has also helped improve the credibility of the advice I provide to my employer, helping me achieve much more."
John Ware, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"What truly made the experience stand out was the exceptional support from UNSW, which eased the more stressful aspects and allowed me to focus on learning. I highly recommend UNSW to anyone considering a future in cybersecurity."
Ryan Moroney, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
"The program isn't just theoretical it provides practical knowledge that can immediately enhance your performance on the job. For anyone looking to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field like cyber security, this course provides both the flexibility to study while working and the depth of knowledge needed to advance your career."
Muhammad Sherwani, Cyber Security Graduate, UNSW Online
Key facts
19th October, 2026
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
3rd May, 2027
28th June, 2027
23rd August, 2027
18th October, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, you must successfully complete four units from the following:
Core units
- Data Security and Privacy
- Cybersecurity Ethics
- Principles of Security Engineering
Elective units
Select one course from the following:
- Cyber Operations
- Cyber Risk and Resilience
- Cyber Management and Governance
- Cyber Threats and Crime
- Cyber and the Law
- Digital Forensics
- Penetration Testing
- Cloud Security
- Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, you must have one of the following:
- Have completed a bachelor's degree or higher level qualification (or equivalent).
- Applicants who have not completed a bachelor's degree or higher level qualification are required to have a minimum of two years of relevant or professional experience in cybersecurity or other cyber-related positions.
Note: Relevant experience includes being responsible for tasks within cyber-related role that may include technical or governance roles. It can include experience of managing a small team, being a team leader, managing a relevant project.
English language requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on your educational background and citizenship. UNSW requires a minimum level of English language competency for enrolment. English language skills are essential for webinar comprehension and the completion of coursework, assignments and examinations.
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you will be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses.
- Prior study in the medium of English.
- Other qualifications.
- English waivers.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
After successful completion of the online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security from UNSW, you may pursue roles such as:
- Penetration Tester
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Project Manager
- Cyber Security Technician
- IT Risk Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Security Analyst
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $20,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
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 with the cost of a university course.