Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 32,500 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
To be eligible for admissions applicants are required to have:
- A completed Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised higher education institute or equivalent;
OR
- A completed Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, or Graduate Certificate in Information Systems from a recognised higher education institution.
Degree overview
- No. 1 in SA for I.T. facilities1 and learning resources in I.T.2.
- Benefit from our well-established links with industry offering valuable opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in professional contexts.
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills in cyber security standards, frameworks and guidelines.
- Apply professional skills to organisational contexts with a focus on governance, risk management and compliance.
- Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in cyber security.
- Build your technical expertise with advanced topics in areas such as security operations, security architectures, and cyber law and digital evidence.
- Access networking and cyber security laboratories or online simulation tools to develop your skills in a virtual environment.
- Enjoy the flexibility to study full-time, part-time, online or on-campus.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia – and around the world – with rapid technological advancement and the evolving threat environment increasing demand that is set to see around 17,000 news jobs needed by 20261.
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security) aims to develop cyber security professionals with advanced knowledge in cyber security governance, risk and compliance (GRC). To ensure you graduate job-ready, significant consultation with industry has taken place to establish both the technical and non-technical expertise demanded by employers. In recent years, calls for cyber security professionals with a strong working-knowledge of GRC in complex organisational environments has significantly increased. As such, this program will build your professional proficiency, as well your ability to examine and implement a range of technology-based cyber security defences to address emerging threats and attacks.
This program is suitable for students from any background / discipline, as well as information technology professionals seeking to gain specialist skills. You will develop technical expertise in information technology (IT); technical proficiency in cyber security; and an understanding of GRC as it applies to information technology and cyber security.
Consisting of eight courses from the Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security) degree, this program provides a pathway into the master-level qualification if desired.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
1Australia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020
What you'll learn
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security) has been designed to develop foundational, discipline specific knowledge in IT in your first semester of study. From there, you will complete courses that develop your knowledge in governance, risk management and compliance, business practices, network security and cyber criminal behaviour.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate authentic assessment through professionally-focused, research-based learning and hands-on practical skills including:
- practical demonstrations
- reports and project documentation
- literature reviews and research reports
- group projects and presentations
- examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security)
UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub. Based at Lot Fourteen, the Hub is set to drive new innovations in technology and provide the best education for Australia’s next cyber security professionals.
We are committed to excellence in IT education. Our educators are active researchers, with their findings directly linked to what is taught in the program. UniSA's research in information technology is rated as world-class1. You will draw on current research in cyber security in your coursework and projects, and learn from dedicated, experienced, and highly qualified teaching staff.
As a UniSA student, you will benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry.
Students have the option to study full-time or part-time, on-campus, online, or a combination of both. Those studying on-campus will have access to networking and cyber security laboratories, where you can develop your skills in a simulated environment. Online students will be provided online simulation tools to ensure they too can develop the practical application of newly acquired knowledge and skills.
1Results in Information and Computing Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Real-world connections
UniSA is home to several research institutes and centres with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students, as well as state-of-the-art facilities. These include:
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
- Industrial AI Research Centre
- Industry 4.0 Testlab
Further information about research at UniSA is available here.
You will also benefit from our culture of innovation – we’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:
- Workshops
- One-on-one mentoring
- Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
- Access to a global pool of expert advisers
- Small funding stipends
- Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons
We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
All or part of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for teamwork and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates will have the skills and expertise required for employment as cyber security professionals within both the public and private sector. You can expect to seek employment in roles such as:
- Cyber security analyst
- Cyber security consultant
- Governance, risk and compliance analyst
Career progression may see you take on roles such as:
- Senior cyber security analyst
- Cyber security manager
- Chief security officer
- Chief information officer
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
I completed my PhD at UniSA in high performance computing. My teaching passion is in networking and infrastructure concepts and one of my career highlights has been getting the Internship program with DXC Technology off the ground and ensuring it is a continuing success.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
