University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Build practical cyber security skills across threat detection, infrastructure security, risk management and emerging technologies while learning to strengthen organisational resilience and respond to evolving digital threats.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security develops technical and strategic skills for graduates and professionals seeking to strengthen their capabilities in cyber security. You’ll examine contemporary threats from an Australian and international perspective while developing approaches to protecting digital systems and infrastructure.
Explore modern cyber attacks and defence, security governance, compliance, risk management and digital infrastructure security. You’ll also examine emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, zero trust, the Internet of Things and cryptography, while developing skills in communicating cyber security issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
The 12-credit-point course comprises four required units covering cyber attacks and defence, compliance and risk management, digital infrastructure security and artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for cyber security. Practical learning includes industry-informed activities and access to virtual lab environments where you can apply technical concepts and security techniques.
Delivered entirely online, the course is completed part-time over one year, with one unit studied in each teaching period. The course has been developed in collaboration with Cisco and incorporates industry engagement alongside practical cyber security learning.
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
15th February, 2027
7th June, 2027
9th August, 2027
What you will study
Students must pass 12 credit points from the units listed below to complete the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security. Each unit is valued at three credit points.
- Principles of Modern Cyber Attacks and Defence
- Cyber Security Compliance and Risk Management
- Digital Infrastructure Security
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for Cyber Security
Entry requirements
Applicants must have an Australian Bachelor's qualification in any field or equivalent.
You can use professional experience and prior learning to enter into a postgraduate qualification at UC through their Professional Pathway Entry program. If you have significant work experience or hold industry-recognised qualifications, this program could be your route to bypass undergraduate study and accelerate your career.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be awarded for work experience exceeding 10 years in a related field of study. Less than 10 years may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with the university's current course rules and policies.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Formulate comprehensive infrastructure security strategies through the analysis of cyber security architectures, integration of security tools and techniques and implementation of incident response methodologies.
- Develop and apply advanced knowledge and practical skills in contemporary cyber attack and defence techniques, procedures and strategies.
- Effectively communicate cyber security concepts and strategies to a diverse audience, including technical specialists and non-technical stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Evaluate cyber security governance frameworks and regulatory requirements, including their implications for organisational practices and compliance.
- Appraise adaptability to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and threats in the cyber security landscape.
Career outcomes
A postgraduate cyber security qualification from UC can open doors to an exciting range of career paths in the rapidly growing field of cyber security. With the skills and knowledge gained from this course, you could pursue future cybersecurity jobs such as:
- Cyber security analyst
- Cyber threat intelligence analyst
- Incident response specialist
- Information security consultant
- It governance specialist
- It security auditor
- Risk and compliance officer
- Security architect
- Security consultant
- Security operations centre (SOC) analyst
Fees and CSP
Average full-course fee in 2027: From $4,940 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee is calculated based on a study load of 12 credit points (four units).
2027 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees:
- Fee per unit: $1,235
- Fee per annum: $4,940
- Full-course fee: $4,940
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- 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 universities each year, which are then distributed to eligible students.
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.
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 area the unit relates to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.