Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security will have a specialised body of knowledge in the field of cyber security in relation to cyber security risks, threats and mitigation techniques, and the security needs of organisations

Gain the specialist knowledge required to investigate, detect and prevent cyber crime using digital forensic tools and techniques in this degree. Identifying current and future trends in cyber crime, analysing the behaviours and motivations of cyber criminals and assessing the effectiveness of cyber crime mitigation strategies are key areas of focus. You'll also acquire the tools to present evidence that is acceptable in a court of law, drawing on a wide range of theoretical and applied science techniques to establish facts.

As a graduate, you'll be able to understand cyber threats, vulnerabilities, risks, and the fundamentals of cyber attack and cyber defense, guided by your strong knowledge of foundational concepts of cyber security, including security engineering, software security, privacy and regulations. You'll have the tools to conduct security assessments and evaluate various methodologies for mitigating risks in ways that enhance cyber security through the multi-facets of privacy protection, access control, and avoidance of human-related factors.

Recommended study pattern

This program will be offered part-time online and at the Nathan and Gold Coast campuses.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security
• Digital Forensics
• Cyber Security Management
• Cyber Security Governance, Policy, Ethics and Law

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (GCertCybSecurity), a student must acquire 40 credit points as specified in the course list.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, an applicant must:

• hold a Bachelor degree or Bachelor Honours degree in Information Technology or Computer Science or equivalent from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 point scale)

A minimum of five years equivalent full-time professional work experience in a relevant field.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0 OR
• a minimum score of 575 on TOEFLOR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19) OR
• no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only) OR
• a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English)  OR
• C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) OR 
• an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.