• Duration 8 months
    part time
  • Subjects 4 subjects
    (50 credit points)
  • Fees $5,080 per 12.5
    credit point subject
  • Intakes January, March, May, July, August, October

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security online with the University of Melbourne?

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Establish yourself as a cyber security expert and leader

Gain a deeper understanding of the current and future cyber landscape, including the close connection between AI and cyber, with our innovative and future-focused course. Leverage your knowledge in best practice frameworks and technical skills to problem-solve and identify solutions that protect individuals and organisations from cyber threats.

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Learn from the experts in cyber security innovation and research

Be taught by world-leading academics who are actively working with industry, government and entrepreneurs to solve real-world cyber challenges. Benefit from insights from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Australia’s #1 university1 and enter the next phase of your career with confidence.

1QS World University Rankings 2026

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You're in control of your learning

Wherever you are, you can take charge of your learning experience. Whether this means engaging live or when it suits you; taking breaks or accelerating; connecting with others or running your own race. You're in control – of your work, study and life.

Course highlights

  • Completing our Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security serves as a pathway into our Master of Cyber Security
  • Develop the skills to assess and communicate strategic and operational cyber security issues in real-world settings
  • Learn to leverage AI and automation to engineer innovative, secure solutions to cyber security challenges
  • Learn from world-leading academics who are actively working with industry, government and entrepreneurs
  • Engage in meaningful interactions and forge connections with peers while studying at the school renowned for educating the innovators of the future.
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Learn from world-leading academics

Benefit from expert-led contemporary learning as you prepare for the next phase of your career. Engage with our world-leading academics whose expert opinions are sought after by government, shaping strategy and influencing policy.

Unlock exclusive access to the latest industry research from our world-class experts to amplify your impact in cyber security.

Download your course guide to meet the team responsible for the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security course at Australia’s #2 university for Engineering and Technology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Career outcomes

The Australian Government's Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030 acknowledges a critical shortage of cyber security skills nationwide and emphasises the need to boost the supply of skilled cyber security professionals over the next decade.

This transformative qualification will prepare you for in-demand roles such as:

  • Security Analyst
  • IT Risk Analyst
  • Cyber Security Technician
  • Systems Designer
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Auditor
  • Cloud Security Analyst
  • Computer Forensics Analyst
  • Cryptographer
  • Programmer
  • Security Manager
  • Cyber Security Project Manager
  • Chief Information Security Officer.
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Pathways

Choose to explore cyber security through coursework or immerse yourself in a research project.

Establish yourself as a cyber security expert and thought leader as you delve into topics such as software security, privacy and ethics, digital forensics, machine learning, and data modelling. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cyber security landscape, informed by the latest research and industry insights, and graduate ready to implement effective cyber security strategies and risk management tools.

Subjects

Core:

  • Cyber Security Practice
  • Programming for Cyber Security
  • Security, Privacy and Ethics
  • Network and Systems Security
  • Network Security and Defence
  • Software Security
  • Introduction to Digital Forensics
  • Web Security
  • Machine Learning and Security
  • Database Systems and Data Modelling

Plus:

  • Cyber Security Practice in Organisations
  • Cyber Security Project.

arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information

Learn from world-leading academics and researchers who are actively working with industry, government and entrepreneurs to solve real-world cyber challenges. Take on an in-depth research project, conducting a thorough investigation of a significant cybersecurity issue of your choice, and equip yourself with the skills needed to perform rigorous and impactful research in your field.

Subjects

Core:

  • Cyber Security Practice
  • Programming for Cyber Security
  • Security, Privacy and Ethics
  • Network and Systems Security
  • Network Security and Defence
  • Software Security
  • Introduction to Digital Forensics
  • Web Security
  • Machine Learning and Security
  • Database Systems and Data Modelling

Plus:

  • Cyber Security Research Project A
  • Cyber Security Research Project B.

arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information

Subjects of study

The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security online from the University of Melbourne is a transformational qualification designed to equip students with the strategic advantage to identify, assess and solve complex cyber security issues.

arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information

Learn security risk assessment, incident response and disaster recovery, knowledge leakage, systems and network security, and policy and culture.

Learn to select appropriate tools, data sources, and algorithms to tackle cyber security problems effectively, and develop programs to manipulate and analyse large, structured data sets.

Explore security threats, data protection technologies and ethical obligations to effectively uphold information security and privacy in alignment with ethical standards in cyber security.

Understand security threats and defensive mechanisms in the context of operating systems, computer networks, and web applications.

You’re in control of your learning experience

  • Choose how and where you study, with the ability to learn in real time or on demand
  • Have more control over your learning with the ability to take breaks from study when needed
  • Receive ongoing one-on-one support from application through to graduation
  • Access resources and support systems designed to help you succeed
  • Experience personalised interactions from expert educators who value your development
  • Gain a competitive edge with a recognised qualification from Australia’s top university (QS, 2026).

Find out more about the online experience at the University of Melbourne.

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have either:

  • An undergraduate degree in information technology or any related field with a weighted average mark of at least 65% or
  • An undergraduate degree in any discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least 65%, and at least two years of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent) or
  • A minimum of six years of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information

English language requirements

Fees and FEE-HELP

Cost per 12.5 credit point subject (domestic and international students): $5,080*

If you're an eligible student, FEE-HELP is a loan that can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan directly to the University. It enables you to borrow the amount of your tuition fees and then repay the loan once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level, or you can make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time.

For more information, including eligibility for FEE-HELP, download your Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security course guide.

* Fees are subject to annual review by the university, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.

 

Designed for impact

“Our goal is to equip students with future-proof skills that transcend automation, empowering them to leverage AI to solve complex cyber challenges and engineer secure AI solutions.”

Professor Toby Murray
Computing and Information Systems

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Enquire and receive your course guide

Discover more information on our courses, including:

  • Entry requirements
  • Career outcomes
  • Subject descriptions
  • Fees and FEE-HELP.
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Related course

Explore the online Master of Cyber Security.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, cyber security jobs are in high demand and expected to grow in Australia and globally over the coming years. The Australian Computer Society estimates an additional 400,000 tech workers will be needed by 2027. As organisations face more frequent and sophisticated cyber threats, this is creating strong demand for students from cyber security courses with technical, strategic and AI-supported cyber security skills.  

While some entry-level roles may only require IT experience, employers are increasingly prioritising candidates with formal qualifications according to the Australian Computer Society. This is because formal education provides a structured, comprehensive understanding of the field, ensuring that graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. 

Yes, a graduate certificate is an excellent and efficient way to transition into cyber security or enhance your skills in your current role. Graduate certificates are often flexible and can be completed online, enabling you to advance your career while managing existing professional and personal commitments. They can also serve as a pathway to cyber security masters degrees in most cases. 

AI is impacting the way cyber security professionals work by automating routine tasks and enabling faster, more accurate responses to attacks. With this routine work streamlined by AI, cyber security professionals can focus on high-level challenges, making AI knowledge a critical advantage in the field.   

A combination of formal training, practical skills and industry knowledge is key to getting a job in cyber security. When choosing between cyber security courses, prioritise courses where you learn from experts in the field, gain best practice frameworks and a course that integrates AI into the curriculum. This is increasingly important as AI continues to transform the digital landscape. 

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