Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to 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
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Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission an applicant must hold:
- a completed Bachelor degree or higher from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- a minimum of three years professional work experience in business or information technology.
Degree overview
- Study at the No.1 university in SA for I.T. facilities1 and learning resources in I.T.2.
- On-campus and online study options available.
- Learn to assess and plan security measures to help protect an organisation from security breaches and attacks on its networks and computer systems.
- Suitable for business and IT professionals with basic computer skills that are looking to gain expertise in all elements of policy, risk mitigation and information security.
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
Join a rapidly growing industry tasked with protecting critical IT infrastructure and information.
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security focuses on cyber policy, in particular governance, risk, and compliance, and is designed to meet the demand for cyber security professionals within both public and private organisations.
The substantial growth in cyber security spending in Australia has led to the workforce expanding by about 4,000 since 2017. Growth in jobs in cyber security has far outpaced the national average. Strong job creation in cyber security is likely to continue, with 7,000 more jobs expected to be added to Australia's economy by 20241.
This program is suitable for students from any background / discipline, as well as information technology professionals seeking to gain specialist skills. You will develop an understanding of computer networks and in-depth knowledge in cyber security policy and governance, with an emphasis on analysing business information security needs to develop a resilient corporate technology posture.
You will gain the skills to assess and plan security measures to help protect an organisation from security breaches and attacks on its networks and computer systems.
You’ll also develop a balanced organisational and technical perspective of the principle elements of cyber security, and become proficient in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the governance aspects of security in a large organisation.
If you finish this qualification and want to do further study, consider going on to the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security) or the Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security).
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 CYBER SECURITY SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS PLAN, 2021, Australian Cyber Security Growth Network.
What you'll learn
You will develop an understanding of computer networks and in-depth knowledge in cyber security policy and governance with an emphasis on analysing business information security needs to develop a resilient corporate technology posture.
You will gain the skills to assess and plan security measures to help protect an organisation from security breaches and attacks on its networks and computer systems.
You’ll also develop a balanced organisational and technical perspective of the principle elements of cyber security, and become proficient in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the governance aspects of security in a large organisation.
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.
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 Certificate in Cyber Security
This program is suitable for business and other professionals with basic computer skills, and IT professionals looking to gain skills on all elements of policy, risk mitigation and information security.
UniSA is dedicated to creating strong IT leaders through its industry relevant programs which combine real-world experience with the expertise to succeed. Our qualifications are designed to reflect what employers tell us they want and expect of graduates.
In SA, UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub at Lot Fourteen to educate Australia’s next generation of cybersecurity and data science specialists. The alliance will deliver multi-disciplinary education courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with the creation of a joint research and innovation fund to develop and attract innovation to South Australia. Further information is available here.
Real-world connections
Many of our lecturers are industry practitioners who apply professional practice, highly relevant industrial experiences and practical case studies to their teaching. You may also discover that most of your peers are mature professionals with considerable and continuing practical experience and insights to share.
UniSA is also home to several research institutes, concentrations and centres which inform our curriculum, including:
- Future Industries Institute
- Industrial AI Research Centre
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
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
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that 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 team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Cyber security is seen as a national priority area with high demand and a significant skill gap.
As an area of national priority in Australia's commitment to remain safe and competitive in an increasingly digital world, The Commonwealth Government is providing Commonwealth supported places (CSP) to support students undertaking higher education in order to help Australians to retrain and upskill in national priority areas.
Graduates of this program have the skills and expertise required for employment as cyber security professionals within both private and public sector organisations of any size. Typical cyber security roles include:
- Associate Cyber Security Analyst
- Junior Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Governance Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
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.
