Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline. English language requirements must also be met.
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- 113712F
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Cyber crime has been increasing over the past 10 years and can cost businesses billions of dollars each year. Step up and take your place in this fascinating and crucial area of work and lead the charge into a highly skilled, high demand job in cybersecurity and data protection. Gain immediately applicable knowledge and skills and future fit your career with UNE's Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity with UNE?
At UNE, our specialist cybersecurity courses prepare you work in this in-demand and highly skilled field. Whether you are up-skilling from a career in IT or computer science or already work in the field and want to broaden your skills and prospects, our postgraduate courses will set you on the right path.
Roles are in high demand, in fact, the Australian Government stated in 2021 that roles in data and cybersecurity will grow very strongly, by almost 40% by 2026.
Enhance your skills as a cybersecurity professional in the essential and growing field of cyber attack identification and prevention with UNE, the only university to be awarded 5 stars for Overall Experience 17 years* in a row.
What makes our course different?
Our Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity will ensure you have the knowledge and technical skills to immediately apply to significant roles in government, businesses and community organisations.
- Develop immediately applicable knowledge and skills to identify, manage and respond to privacy and data risks
- Study a wide range of topics including information privacy, network security, cloud security, cryptography and more
- Delve into intrusion detection and ethical hacking and learn how to secure modern networks from cyber attacks
- Expand your project management skills, focusing on the management of cybersecurity, privacy and prevention plans
- Hone your communication skills and your ability to present complex concepts and solutions
- Choose between studying on campus or online, full time or part time, allowing you to balance your studies with your other commitments
- Continue your studies by progressing to the Master of Cybersecurity.
By choosing UNE, you will be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.
* The Good Universities Guide, 2023
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity or UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
If you have a non-relevant Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) or above you can study Cybersecurity through UNE's Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing. This qualification will also grant you access to UNE's Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity and Master of Cybersecurity.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity or UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
If you have a non-relevant Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) or above you can study Cybersecurity through UNE's Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing. This qualification will also grant you access to UNE's Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity and Master of Cybersecurity.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule B, you may be granted up to 24 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
This course is offered under two admission rules.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity or UNE Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing (AQF Level 8).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
If you have a non-relevant Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) or above you can study Cybersecurity through UNE's Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computing. This qualification will also grant you access to UNE's Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity and Master of Cybersecurity.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule B, you may be granted up to 24 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points with no more than 6 credit points at 100 level and at least 24 credit points at 400-level and at least 12 credit points at 500-level.
48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete both components24 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Privacy (COSC130) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
And complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule B will be granted 24 credit points of Block advanced standing24 credit points
Complete the following component18 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Information Privacy (COSC581) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Cryptography (COSC481) – 6 credit points
- Ethical Hacking (COSC482) – 6 credit points
- Cybersecurity Risk and Project Management (COSC483) – 6 credit points
- Cloud Security (COSC484) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Intrusion Detection (COSC582) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $28,896* |
| International | $33,829* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,928* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity puts you on the path to career advancement. Future fit yourself with the skills and knowledge to fast track your career to senior positions, including:
- Cybersecurity Systems Architect
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Security Analyst
- Information Security Engineer
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security Specialist
- Security Risk Manager
- Personal Data Protection Officer
Demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is growing exponentially, with the Australian Government investing heavily in the sector — an additional 7000 jobs are expected by 2024. According to seek.com.au, graduates can expect annual salaries between $95,000 and $115,000 for an information security analyst position. Job prospects internationally are also strong, with almost half of Australian cybersecurity businesses exporting globally.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity and related computing theories and technologies, and to pursue lifelong learning via acquiring and analysing information from various sources, knowledge synthesis and reflection;
- apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills to design effective computing and cybersecurity solutions;
- communicate effectively in both oral and written form with technical and non-technical audiences to share ideas, obtain information and work effectively with others;
- demonstrate advanced understanding of the legal, ethical and cultural context, and social and economic implications of cybersecurity threats and solutions; and
- work effectively as an individual, or as a part of a team/team leader.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an in-depth cohesive knowledge and advanced understanding of cybersecurity theoretical foundations, and a wide range of state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies. They will be able to apply their knowledge in professional practice in an international setting, with an awareness of differences in cultural, legislative and regulatory cybersecurity and privacy frameworks.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have advanced communication skills that will allow them to share complex knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions with different audiences in a variety of forms, including written reports, oral presentations and interpersonal communication.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will draw on their advanced knowledge of cybersecurity theories and technologies, and their ability to analyse complex problems to synthesise effective solutions.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will have advanced skills to independently gather and critically evaluate information from various sources, including research publications and technical documentation, and understand and engage with various cybersecurity concepts and theories.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will exercise responsibility and well-developed judgement within the legal and ethical frameworks of their professional environment, and with an awareness of the social implications of their actions and decisions.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the necessary skills to embrace lifelong learning in order to keep up with fast-paced changes in cybersecurity technologies.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have the knowledge, skills and adaptability to both exercise autonomy in their professional practice and independent learning, and to operate effectively as a part of a team.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
