#1 Melbourne university for computing graduate employment
#1 Melbourne university for computing facilities
Top 150 worldwide for computer science
Why choose cyber security at Deakin
Cyber security is a challenge in many sectors globally. Cyber security specialists are crucial for the success of our digital future and professionals in this field are in high demand.
Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security focuses on industry-relevant topics. You will develop the vital problem-solving skills required to identify vulnerabilities in digital systems, implement effective security measures and respond to cyber incidents. You will gain expertise in system security and digital forensics, analytics and organisational security. These cover the entire spectrum of protection, from governance and maintenance to physical and remote access, monitoring and reporting.
You will learn from experienced lecturers, benefit from Deakin’s cutting-edge facilities and have access to leading industry partners. You will graduate with promising career opportunities, equipped with the knowledge and talent to take on an expert security role in business, government or law enforcement.
-
Unbeatable employability
Develop core knowledge in information technology and cyber security required to work in evolving digital environments.
-
Industry alignment
Our courses are designed with industry insights so you graduate with the skills and experience employers want.
-
Flexible postgraduate study
Study a graduate certificate designed for career progression or pathway into further cyber security study.
-
Practical, skills-based learning
Apply cyber security techniques through hands-on tasks that reflect current industry tools and challenges.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build on your IT experience with practical cyber security capabilities that support career progression or further study. Explore opportunities protecting systems, data and networks across business, government and law enforcement.
Cyber security analyst
Help protect organisations from cyber threats by monitoring networks, investigating security incidents and identifying vulnerabilities to strengthen the security of systems, data and digital infrastructure.
- $110k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 14%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Security consultant
Advise organisations on managing cyber security risks and strengthening their security practices. You may assess vulnerabilities, recommend protective measures and support security testing, remediation and governance.
- $183k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- #2
Fastest-growing skill globally
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Project manager
- Security systems manager
- Security systems developer
- Information security auditor
- IT security engineer
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security?
You will develop essential knowledge and skills to identify, assess and respond to cyber threats in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Foundations of cyber security practice
Understand core security principles and risks
Learn how vulnerabilities arise and how threats impact organisations, systems and individuals.
Develop defensive and analytical skills
Apply techniques to detect, prevent and respond to cyber incidents using industry-relevant approaches.
Explore governance and ethical considerations
Examine legal, ethical and organisational frameworks that guide secure and responsible practice.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete four core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which is compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
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.
What to expect while studying
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 may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
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.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security
- Year
2027 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$22,900
AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
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.
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.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
After successfully completing your graduate certificate, you can continue your study by using the credit points you’ve earned to enter the: