The Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security offers eight online courses, providing the flexibility to specialise in Security Management or Leadership or Security Engineering. The program includes three core courses and five specialisation courses. Within the specialisation component, you can choose from both core and elective courses tailored to your chosen stream.

Upon completing the diploma, you may qualify to progress to the online Master of Cyber Security program, equipping you with advanced strategic and leadership skills for higher-level roles in the industry.

Core courses

• Data Security and Privacy
• Cybersecurity Ethics
• Principles of Security Engineering

To find out more about each course, download your program guide.

Security Management and Leadership Specialisation
The Management and Leadership specialisation relates to the emerging human, socio-technical and leadership aspects of cyber security. It will instill the skills and understanding of managing a team of cyber security professionals, and also to understand and contribute to the wider narrative of which cybersecurity is a part.

Study all three core courses: Data Security and Privacy, Cybersecurity Ethics and Principles of Security Engineering and a specialisation.

Core courses
Students must take at least four courses, maximum of five courses: 

• Cyber Operations
• Cyber Risk and Resilience
• Cyber Management and Governance
• Cyber Threats and Crime
• Cyber and the Law

Electives
Students can select one elective if they have only completed four of the core specialisation courses.

• Digital Forensics
• Advanced Penetration Testing
• Penetration Testing
• Cloud Security
• Reverse Engineering
• Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
• Operating System Fundamentals for Security
• Non-Domain Elective*

*With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may substitute up to one course with any other postgraduate course offered in one of the UNSW Online programs.

Security Engineering Specialisation
The Security Engineering specialisation relates to the highly technical aspects of the field, and focuses on producing software-literate graduates to work on the computer, networking and applied aspects of cybersecurity.

Study all three core courses: Data Security and Engineering, Cybersecurity Ethics and Principles of Security Engineering and a Security Engineering specialisation.

Core courses
Study at least four courses, maximum of five courses:

• Cyber Operations
• Digital Forensics
• Advanced Penetration Testing
• Penetration Testing​
• Cloud Security
• Fundamentals of Coding: C and Assembler
• Operating System Fundamentals for Security

Electives
Students can select one elective if they have only completed four of the core specialisation courses.

• Cyber Operations
• Cyber Risk and Resilience
• Cyber Management and Governance
• Cyber Threats and Crime
• Reverse Engineering
• Cyber and the Law
• Non-Domain Elective*

*With the permission of the Program Convenor, students may substitute up to one course with any other postgraduate course offered in one of the UNSW Online programs.

Prerequisite courses

Should you choose to pursue a Master of Cyber Security upon the successful completion of your Graduate Diploma, the following prerequisites must be considered:

• Penetrating Testing is a prerequisite for Advanced Penetration Testing
• Operating System Fundamentals for Security is a prerequisite for Digital Forensics and Reverse Engineering.
• Fundamentals of coding: C and Assembler is a prerequisite for Operating System Fundamentals.

Take advantage of the worldwide demand for cyber security professionals with the Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security. In this 100% online program, you will gain a deepened understanding of current and emerging trends in cyber security and the technical skills to secure networks.

A Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security from UNSW Online will expand your career opportunities on a global and domestic level. You may pursue roles such as:

• Cyber Security Lead
• Cloud Security Analyst
• Computed Forensics Analyst
• Cyber Security Technician
• IT Risk Analyst
• Cyber Security Specialist
• Cryptographer
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Security Analyst

There are two specialisations to choose from in this program – Security Management and Leadership or Security Engineering. Please refer to your chosen specialisation to find out more about the entry requirements.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place. Study plans and completion times might vary depending on elective choice, RPL, leave and subject availability. For more information, speak with a Student Advisor.

Security Management and Leadership

1. Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
2. Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65

*Cognate disciplines may include Science, Engineering, Business, Leadership, and Policy.

Security Engineering

1. Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 65; OR
2. Have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher level qualification in a cognate discipline to the selected specialisation* with a minimum WAM of 65

*Cognate disciplines may include Science, Engineering, and other degrees with substantial computing, mathematics, and/or statistics courses.

English language

You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments. Proof can include:

• English tests or university courses
• Prior study in English
• Other qualifications or waivers

At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device. We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.

Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track. You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.