Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 1.4 years P/T
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7471
- CRICOS code -
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $24,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $24,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Broad job opportunities
-
In-demand skills
-
Flexible study options
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Can you imagine working in a world without cyber security? This field is essential to protect and safeguard the way we work and live. As a result, leaders need the skills to protect organisations from constant digital threats.
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership at UNSW Canberra empowers professionals with the specialised knowledge to balance security and productivity, lead teams effectively and make informed decisions in complex environments. Developed by cybersecurity experts, this program offers a solid grounding in cyber security fundamentals, ethical risk management and high-stakes communication strategies.
You’ll learn to navigate cyber security policy, governance and the broader impacts of security challenges on modern organisations. The program is ideal for leaders, managers and professionals seeking to move into cyber security, upskill to progress in their career and unlock wider job opportunities.
Key features
Focus on building leadership capability
Gain practical skills to lead cyber security initiatives, balance risk with organisational goals and navigate the ethical, financial and reputational impacts of cyber threats. This graduate certificate is designed specifically for leaders who need to make informed security decisions in fast-paced environments.
Expand your skillset
Develop expertise in cyber security governance, risk management and compliance, positioning you as a key asset to organisations across industries. You’ll gain insights into the latest standards and practices that shape effective security policies and strategies.
Leverage a global network
Gain access to events and professional opportunities in Canberra, across Australia and around the world, thanks to our global network of alumni, government and industry partners.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Study at an internationally renowned university
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025). As 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
Grow your skill set and nurture your potential with a program that fits around your life. The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership is spread across the full academic calendar, enabling you to easily balance work, study and other commitments.
Industry-aligned coursework
Cyber security is a high-stakes sector where threats and system failures can lead to devastating business impact. It’s crucial to keep pace with the latest developments. That’s why our Cyber Security programs are regularly reviewed in consultation with industry experts.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership, 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.
*Related Discipline/s: Management, IT, Business
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.
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for the Entry Requirements.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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 English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do 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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership is a part-time program delivered over four terms, requiring the successful completion of 24 units of credit (UOC). The program’s curriculum is designed to build strong leadership acumen and expertise in cyber security fundamentals, ethical risk management and high-stakes communication strategies.
Full program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership is offered as a part-time program over 4 terms. Students will complete 24 Units of Credit (UOC).
Core courses – 24 UOC
● Foundations of Organisational Cyber Security – 6 UOC
● Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance – 6 UOC
● Cyber Security Data Governance and Privacy – 6 UOC
● Cyber Security Leadership and Strategy – 6 UOC
Future careers
As this course is designed for professionals across a wide range of industries, the potential job opportunities are varied. Individuals already working in cyber security may pursue C-suite and higher-level leadership roles after completing this valued credential. Experienced professionals looking to move into cyber security may unlock mid-level to senior leadership roles in organisations across a range of industries, including government, tech, banking and IT.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership may be eligible for course credits* into the Master of Business Administration (MBA), offered by AGSM @ UNSW Business School.
*Entry into AGSM MBA programs is subject to meeting the AGSM Admissions Criteria.
Potential roles
● Cyber Security Advisor
● Cyber Security Consultant
● Cyber Security Policy Writer
● Data Protection Officer
● Digital Risk Manager
● Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialist
● Head of Cyber Security
● Information Security Manager
● IT Security Project Manager
● Security Awareness Training Manager
● Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager
● Threat Intelligence Analyst
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
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.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
