Study Cyber Security

In today's interconnected world, foundational cyber security skills are indispensable across all industries, from finance to healthcare, ensuring data integrity and trust. Dive into the critical world of cyber security with The University of Newcastle’s Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, tailored to accommodate those from diverse professional backgrounds. This program lays the groundwork for understanding the core tenets of cyber security, preparing you for roles as cyber analysts, who play a pivotal role in identifying, mitigating, and responding to digital threats.

As part of the program, you also have the opportunity to obtain a relevant industry certification, further bolstering your credentials. Completing this certificate not only equips you with essential cyber security skills, but also offers a pathway to our Master of Cyber Security, further enhancing your career trajectory in this ever-evolving field.

Why study with us?

  • Open path to Cyber Security: Break into Cyber Security without a tech background. Our Graduate Certificate accepts all disciplines and values professional experience. Launch your career in this high-demand field.
  • Access our industry-leading cyber security labs – our System Security Lab, Smart Network Infrastructure Security Lab and Malware Lab each offer a range of advanced technologies and are setup to ensure each student has access to virtual machines to provide an isolated and secure environment to learn in. Our labs use advanced VMware based virtualisation technology, can run cyber hackathons, and develop real-world applications in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Global Networking Opportunities – students are able to connect with a diverse cohort of industry professionals, faculty and peers. The programs facilitate networking through virtual events, guest lectures and industry-based projects.
  • Enhance your career opportunities – this degree was created specifically to address the needs and demands of both individuals and industry. Develop analytical and technical skills that are essential to organisations looking to employ secure protocols.
  • Flexible study options – the program offers 100% online study enabling you to achieve your Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security in a time that suits your professional and personal needs.
  • Future pathways – the Graduate Certificate will provide you with the opportunity to progress into the Master of Cyber Security.
  • Place yourself at the forefront of a growth industry – there is currently a major shortage of cyber security workers, with leading independent and not-for-profit organisation AustCyber estimating that Australia could need almost 18,000 additional cyber security workers by 2026 (Australian Cyber Security Growth Network’s Sector Competitiveness Plan 2018)
  • Gain a strategic edge – our unique Human Factors course allows you to delve into the crucial interplay of human psychology in cybersecurity. This distinctive offering equips you to address the intricate challenges posed by human error in the realm of cyber security.

Meet current Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security student Christian

$2342 median weekly income ? for Database & Systems Administrators & ICT Security before tax
38.9% Projected employment growth ? for Cyber Security by 2026*
29100 extra ? Database & Systems Administrators & ICT Security needed by 2026

What you will study

The University of Newcastle offers an advanced Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security which is a professional qualification for those who wish to specialise in safeguarding cyber security across a variety of industry sectors.

You will gain a thorough understanding of cyber security threats and attacks to enable you to identify, analyse, and apply security techniques and mechanisms to develop secure protocols. You will also learn privacy concepts and techniques for privacy enhanced technologies and be equipped to implement best practices for cyber security. As part of the program, you also have the opportunity to obtain a relevant industry certification, further bolstering your credentials.

Completing this Graduate Certificate not only equips you with these essential skills, but also offers a pathway to our Master of Cyber Security, further enhancing your career trajectory in this ever-evolving field.

Key study areas include:

  • The foundations of cyber security, privacy, and risk
  • The role of human factors in cyber security, including cognitive, psychological, and sociotechnical aspects
  • Cyber security governance, risk, and compliance
  • Strategies for security management of systems and organisations

Courses to support your drive and direction include:

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Applications of Human Factors Psychology
  • Cyber Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance
2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

Upon graduation, this program will allow you to harness your expertise in cyber security to work in a variety of industry sectors.

Career options may include:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Security Consultant
  • Security System Developer
  • Security System Manager

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Bachelor’s Degree (AQF 7 level) or higher in any discipline OR equivalent professional experience.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates