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Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Online)

Learn the advanced cyber security skills that keep Australia safe

100% online
delivery

1 year part-time online study

40 credit points

$3,149 per unit

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Start your cyber security career with industry-aligned skills

  • 1 year part-time
  • $3,149 AUD per unit
  • 40 credits points

ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Online) is a fully online, industry‑aligned course designed to launch or accelerate your cyber security career. You’ll gain hands-on experience across threat analysis, risk management, data protection, programming and ethical security practices in units backed by Microsoft Azure certification and co-designed with CISCO Networking Academy.

Upon successful completion, you can use this graduate certificate as a pathway to further expand your knowledge by completing a Master of Cyber Security or Master of Information Technology. Some units from this course can also count towards an Information Technology specialisation in the MBA.

In this course, you’ll be able to:

  • analyse cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities and risks in organisational and societal contexts using established concepts, frameworks and standards.
  • apply contemporary cybersecurity principles, tools and practices to design and evaluate secure solutions for digital systems, software, networks and infrastructure.
  • apply advanced investigative, analytical and technical methods to identify, evaluate and respond to cybersecurity incidents, vulnerabilities and digital evidence with systematic judgement and professional autonomy.
  • evaluate and apply governance, legal, ethical and regulatory principles relevant to cybersecurity practice, demonstrating professional judgement and respect for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of individuals.

Certificate details

  • 4 units
  • Flexible study
  • Industry-led curriculum
  • FEE-HELP available for eligible students
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Course structure

4 units

1 year part-time online study

ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Online) is built for professionals ready to upskill and transition into a high-demand field. Designed to meet industry needs, you’ll gain skills across critical areas like threat identification, risk assessment, vulnerability management, and network and systems security. You’ll also develop understanding of legal and ethical frameworks ensuring you graduate job-ready to tackle the cyber challenges threatening the tech landscape, both locally and globally.

Delivered 100 per cent online, this degree combines flexible study with strong academic support, industry-aligned learning and a values-led approach to technology. Whether you are a working professional wanting to upskill or a career changer pivoting to cyber, this degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a high-demand industry.

This course is offered over four 10-week terms per year. You’ll access your learning materials from the start of each term and progress at your own pace. Some courses require on-campus intensives or in-person placements.

Required cybersecurity units

In an increasingly digital world, where the ability to safeguard information and systems is critical to professional success and societal resilience, this unit equips students with essential knowledge and skills in cyber security. It covers the importance of cyber security, security threats, risk analysis and mitigation techniques. The unit demonstrates the basic cyber security concepts, security tools, cryptographic schemes, and the common architectures used as industry standards. Students will learn how to defend against cyber threats and attacks and study existing techniques for managing and mitigating security issues and maintaining the working environment. This unit introduces the broad discipline of cyber security and outlines how to ensure data confidentiality, privacy, integrity, authenticity, and availability of information. It also covers social, ethical, and legal issues in cyber-space to understand how cyber security affects legal compliance and solidarity in communities and society. The aim of this unit is to provide students with essential background knowledge in cyber security and develop practical skills, that will help them to understand advanced cyber security topics.
Modern organisations require robust and scalable and and sustainable IT infrastructures to remain competitive and resilient. This unit introduces postgraduate students to the essential principles and practices of contemporary IT infrastructure, with a specific focus on cloud computing. Students will gain foundational knowledge in cloud architecture, virtualisation, automation, and infrastructure management. They will also explore leading cloud platforms (e.g. MS Azure, AWS, GCP) and gain practical experience with Microsoft Azure. The unit covers evolving technologies, such as infrastructure as code, containerisation, edge computing, and sustainability practices. Students will apply these concepts through real-world case studies across various sectors. Aligned with Microsoft’s curriculum, the unit also provides a pathway to the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification. Ethical considerations and sustainability are integrated throughout, encouraging students to critically evaluate the social and environmental impacts of IT infrastructure decisions in line with Catholic Social Teaching (CST) principles, particularly stewardship and the common good.The aim is to equip students to design and manage secure, efficient, and sustainable IT infrastructures while critically evaluate their environmental impacts.
Almost all computing devices fare connected using computer networks. There is a need of professionals who exercise knowledge and leadership in the area of computer networks and its applications. This unit covers the fundamental topics of computer networks and data communication. The unit demonstrates the basic networking concepts, OSI and TCP/IP networking model, functionalities and characteristics of different layers, network devices, and protocols. Students will learn how these devices and protocols are used in computer networks and application programs. The practical works will help students to learn how to design, configure, build and test a small-scale peer-to-peer network for an organisation. In addition, the unit focuses on designing a network solution that utilises optimal resources and thus, aims to minimise negative impacts on the environment. The unit aims to equip students with background knowledge in computer networking, which scaffolds an advanced unit in emerging technologies of blockchain and IoT. It will produce graduates with i) a wide range of professional knowledge and skills relevant to networking and communication technologies, ii) adaptability to changing technology and society, iii) capability to design network solutions utilising minimal computing resources, and iv) prepare them for CCNA1 certification exam.
As digital infrastructures become increasingly integral to business, government, and everyday life, the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise. Professionals with the ability to understand, anticipate, and defend against these threats are in high demand across all sectors. Engaging with network and information security equips students with the expertise needed to protect critical systems, ensure data integrity, and uphold public trust in digital technologies. This unit offers a critical awareness of current developments, industry practices, and future trends in network security, web security, database security, and wireless security. Students will explore a range of tools and techniques used to combat threats such as malware, intrusions, social engineering, data leakage, and zero-day attacks. These topics are examined through the lens of secure authentication mechanisms, password management, intrusion detection and prevention systems, information security policies, and user education. A hands-on component requires students to design a shell-script-based intrusion detection system (IDS), providing practical skills in identifying and responding to threats within a host system. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of network and information security issues, and to develop the knowledge and skills required to identify security threats and design appropriate countermeasures to protect systems and data.

Build the cyber security skills employers are looking for

Graduate with job‑ready cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you’ll be well positioned for roles across government, industry and the private sector. The degree is designed to align with current industry needs and emerging career pathways in cyber security.

Career opportunities may include:

  • security software developer
  • security consultant
  • information security analyst
  • IT security consultant
  • security systems administrator
  • network engineer
  • cyber security manager.

Top careers:

Cyber security specialist $111K AUD per year2

Cyber security officer $97K AUD per year3

Entry requirements

Application deadline 25-Sept-2026

Start date 12-Oct-2026

To apply for this course, you’ll need:

  • A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

or

  • At least two years’ industry experience in a relevant role.
How to apply

Fee details

$3,149 AUD per unit

4 units

FEE-HELP available

The cost of study is an important consideration when planning your future, and the tuition outlined here is designed to give you a clear and transparent understanding of what to expect for the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (Online).

This course can be supported through the FEE-HELP government loan scheme. If you are an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, you may not need to pay upfront. Get in touch with our team for more information.

Fees & support

Your teachers

ACU’s artificial intelligence courses are taught by academics and practitioners working across data science, intelligent systems and responsible technology. Their expertise ensures learning is grounded in real-world application, ethics and current industry standards.

What’s it like to learn online?

As an ACU Online student, you’ll study the same curriculum taught on campus, with the flexibility to learn where and when it suits you. ACU’s digital learning platform connects you with expert educators, live tutorials and interactive coursework designed for flexibility and support. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, you’ll have the tools, structure and guidance to learn, succeed and excel at your own pace.

Sources

  1. QILT, Graduate Outcomes Survey https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos).
  2. Glassdoor – Cyber Security Specialist Salary https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/cyber-security-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm.
  3. Glassdoor – Cyber Security Officer Salary https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/cyber-security-officer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm.