Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

• Demonstrate a strategic overview of complex issues in cyber security

• Develop communication skills to engage effectively with technical and non-technical audiences

• Demonstrate an ability to appreciate the ethical considerations that inform judgements and decision making

• Work autonomously and effectively within a team

Develop the strategic and technical skills to solve complex cyber security issues and pursue a successful career in the industry.

Recommended study pattern

We recommend that you complete the courses in this program in the following order:

• Structures of Cyberspace
• Programming Fundamentals
• Introduction to Information Security
• Case Studies in Cyber Security

Award requirements

Completion of 4 courses as outlined in the recommended study pattern.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Structures of Cyberspace

Cyberspace refers to the hardware, software, algorithms, and protocols of digital communication. The ability to employ abstract thinking towards any problems within cyberspace is foundational to any cyber security professional. In this course, you’ll learn the mathematical tools and language needed to describe and interpret structures of cyberspace.  

Programming Fundamentals

Programming skills represent a generic problem-solving ability and are considered essential for anyone involved in the development and maintenance of software systems. Programming skills are also vital for analysing software vulnerabilities, identifying malicious software, and other tasks required for cyber security analysts. This course will introduce you to foundational knowledge of computer systems, software interactions, conceptual building blocks for programming, and basic computer programming. 

Introduction to Information Security

This course provides you with an overview of data and computer security and concentrates on technical and continuity management issues. The basic information security objectives such as data integrity, identification, message authentication, authorisation, validation and access control are examined. Cryptographic techniques and the basic philosophy of key management is also introduced. The ideas behind behind hacking, cracking and social engineering will be discussed in the context of ethics and their place in information security. 

Case Studies in Cyber Security

In this course, you’ll be able to apply the knowledge and skills obtained to study further concepts in information security, communicate and interpret ideas related to information security, and work in small groups. You’ll also choose topics of interest, therefore completing a broader coverage of information security topics. 

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

Indicative total fee $12,480

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.

One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

16

An Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.

You may also be considered for the graduate certificate if you have a minimum 5 year’s full-time work experience in a related industry setting. Applicants will need to submit a CV.

English Language Requirements

International students are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to RMIT University. You can provide your results from one of these three options:

1. an accepted English language proficiency test, or

2. an accepted English language provider, or

3. a recognised Australian or international qualification. For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Australian Student Visas

RMIT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study, such as our Master of Cyber Security. For more details on RMIT’s on-campus programs visit rmit.edu.au.

Students may be eligible for credit. Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.