Key facts
Duration
0.5 years full time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
In today's digital world - where technology is central to daily life - cyber security threats are a major challenge across many industry sectors. With cyber-attacks becoming more frequent, cyber security skills are crucial for the success of our digital future, and professionals in this field are in high demand globally. Learn how to identify, diagnose and manage cyber security threats, and graduate ready for a successful cyber security career anywhere in the world.
Focusing on a range of key industry-relevant areas, you will develop expertise in system security and digital forensics, analytics and organisational security. You will graduate equipped with the knowledge and talent to take on an expert security role within business, government or law enforcement.
Are you driven to safeguard data and networks in an ever-changing cyber landscape?
Skilled cyber security professionals are needed across government, finance, tech, education, communications and entertainment industries, and more. You will graduate with promising career opportunities, equipped with strategies to protect digital assets and the people who rely on them.
In the Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security, you will learn from experienced lecturers, benefit from Deakin’s cutting-edge facilities, and have access to leading industry partners. You will delve deep into the principles, practices and technologies involved in protecting digital systems and networks. These cover the entire spectrum of protection, from governance and maintenance to physical and remote access, monitoring, and reporting.
You will gain the vital skills to identify vulnerabilities in digital systems, implement effective security measures and respond to cyber incidents. Additionally, you will enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving skills and communication abilities, which are indispensable in the field of cyber security.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- S535
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
*Full time or part-time available
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
*Only part-time available
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
*Only part-time available
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online studies.
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of related disciplines and relevant work experience include, but not limited to the broad field of Information Technology.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$22,100 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the International students applications page.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Application Portal, or by email. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
After successfully completing your graduate certificate, you can continue your study by using the credit points you’ve earned to enter the:
Career outcomes
Graduate with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry and help secure our digital future.
Career options are varied so you could work anywhere in the world as a:
- security analyst
- project manager
- security system manager
- security consultant
- security system developer or programmer
- information security auditor
- business continuity or IT security engineer.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop specialised and essential knowledge of security needs for design and development of secure systems, processes, concepts, and technologies; to develop software systems, products and solutions that automate business processes at par with benchmarks and industry standards and based on evolving cyber security needs. |
| Communication | Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security and to motivate and effect change, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse information provided and their sources to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of cyber security. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Self-management | Work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to new situations and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
