Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 0.5 Year(s) to 1 Year
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7329
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $20,500*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $20,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $25,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $26,000*
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations at UNSW Canberra is for postgraduate students and professional managers who wish to gain a more detailed understanding of the managerial and technical skills and expertise required to protect information systems and computer networks from cyber attack. As a Cyber Security Operations graduate, you’ll be able to monitor systems for security gaps, design effective solutions and provide detailed reports to executive management on all aspects of cyber security operations.
Key features
Designed to equip you with the latest knowledge and practical skills
Learn the skills and expertise relevant to the technical implementation and leadership of the cyber security function in government, industry, law enforcement and defence.
Informed by global best practice and cutting-edge research
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations at UNSW Canberra provides principles gathered from information systems, systems engineering, computer science, network security and defence to enhance a career as a cyber security specialist.
Flexible learning options
Designed for busy professionals, this program offers fully online study to allow you to balance work, life and career growth seamlessly. Study at your own pace while enhancing your expertise in Cyber Security.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
UNSW is a global top 20 university
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) to complete the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations and you’ll gain a qualification that is respected around the world. Part of the wider UNSW network, UNSW Canberra is also recognised for research excellence and impact as a founding member of the Group of Eight coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities.
Flexible study options to suit you
Grow your skill set and nurture your potential with a program that fits around your life. The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations is a fully online course spread across the full academic calendar, enabling you to easily balance work, study and other commitments.
Industry-aligned coursework
Our programs are carefully developed in line with the latest industry trends and developments. We regularly consult with practitioners, academics and researchers to ensure our programs provide students with the most up-to-date information to prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations (7329), an applicant must meet one of the following entry requirements:
- Completion of a Bachelor degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in a non-related discipline; and completion of at least four years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Evidence of other qualifications and professional experience to be assessed as acceptable grounds for admission into the program by the relevant Program Authority. In certain circumstances, students may be required to undertake and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission. (Non-Award course enrolment is not applicable in the Job Ready Graduates Scheme as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are not available for Non-Award enrolment).
*Related Discipline/s: Business or Management
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Program structure
Students undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations are required to complete 24 Units of Credit (UOC) when taken as a standalone program.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 24 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 6 months. Courses are 6 UOC. Students must complete:
Core courses – 12-24 UOC
- Cyber Crime and Cyber Security
- Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition
- Information Assurance Principles
- Cyber Security Risk Management
Prescribed electives – 0-12 UOC
- Cybercrime, Information Security and Digital Enforcement
- Cyber Operations
- Intrusion Analysis and Response
- Software Security Lifecycle
- Cyber Terrorism
- Information Operations
- Software Project Management
- Systems Engineering Practice
- Requirements Practice
- Project Administration
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Capability Option Analysis
- Cyber-Security and World Politics
Future careers
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations is designed to meet the demand for executives and managers who oversee the cyber security function in government, industry, law enforcement and Defence. It provides principles gathered from information systems, cyber security, risk, management and governance for managers seeking to enhance their career in cyber security operations.
Job roles can include, but are not limited to:
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Computer Forensics Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Technician
- IT Risk Analyst
- Security Analyst
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024