Australian Catholic University
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Understand the theoretical foundations and concepts essential for addressing the security issues in network environments and recognising the significance of data stewardship.
Course overview
Cybersecurity plays a vital role in networked global infrastructure. This course covers the theoretical foundations and concepts needed to understand the security issues faced by network environments and the importance of data stewardship.
The industry and research-based projects offered by this Microsoft-certified (Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals) program give you a global perspective and make you work-ready. All units are embedded with the United Nations' sustainable goals. This program is co-designed with CISCO Networking Academy and offers free access to CISCO NetAcad resources. You can use this graduate certificate to expand your knowledge further by completing a Master of Information Technology. Units from this course can also count towards a cybersecurity specialisation in the MBA.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, a student must complete 40 credit points (four units).
Part A: Core units
- Cyber Security Concepts
- Information Technology
- Computer Networks
- Network Security and Applications
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have one of the following prerequisites:
- Equivalent of an Australian Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- At least two years’ industry experience in a relevant role.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates have pursued careers as:
- Security Software Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Security Consultant
- Security Systems Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Cyber Security Manager
Fees and CSP
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $4,768 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $12,596 (Domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally four units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
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 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.