Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

On successful completion of the program students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the cyber security needs of an organisation to develop a suitable security architecture.
2. Apply technical skills to monitor and secure ICT environments.
3. Obtain an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence security breaches.
4. Design operational and strategic cyber security strategies and policies.

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 The University of Newcastle's Master of Cyber Security, further enhancing your career trajectory in this ever-evolving field.

Recommended study pattern

With flexible study options, you can complete the program in a time that suits your professional and personal needs. You may complete the program within 1 to 3 years of part-time study.

This program consists of 40 units: 30 units of core courses and 10 units from a directed course list.

You will study core courses in:

• Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance
• Cyber Security Fundamentals
• Applications of Human Factors Psychology.

You will study one course from a directed course list:

• Operating Systems
• Data Security
• Security Attacks: Analysis and Mitigation Strategies
• Systems and Network Administration
• Cloud Computing
• Professional Practice in IT
• System and Network Security
• Software Verification and Validation.

Award requirements

To meet the award requirements of this program you must successful complete 40 units of credit.

Students who complete this program may apply for entry to the Master of Cyber Security, for which they will receive 40 units of credit.

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

Indicative total fee $16,665

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.

The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research. Their degrees are shaped around global learning, work placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The university is known as a champion of innovative approaches, striving for a dynamic teaching culture that delivers world-class outcomes. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, they focus on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

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19

AQF level 7 bachelor's degree or (or higher) in any discipline OR equivalent professional experience.

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement:

• IELTS overall minimum - 6.5
• IELTS section minimum - 6.0.

If you have additional qualifications or experience above what is required for admission, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This means you can complete your degree faster with less courses to complete. Different pathways are outlined on each degree page.