Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security is designed for students seeking to deepen their computer science and cyber security knowledge.
• The programme focuses on identifying, demonstrating and diagnosing vulnerabilities in software systems, including web applications and internet-based services.
• It provides industry-supported, project-based learning with links to areas such as anti-virus, penetration testing and web security.
• Students develop skills in identifying cyber security threats and applying appropriate tools and techniques to classify them.
• The programme develops knowledge relevant to network security, cyber-attack prevention, security-risk identification and remediation.
• It can be used as the first stage of Swinburne’s nested Cyber Security qualification pathway, with progression available to the Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security exit award and the Master of Cyber Security.
• The qualification can be particularly relevant for graduates from STEM backgrounds and professionals with relevant cybersecurity, web-development or software-development experience.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Graduate Certificate comprises 8 core units totalling 100 credit points. The current nested Master of Cyber Security page identifies the following eight units as the units that constitute the Graduate Certificate.

Core units

1. Creating Web Applications
   • Unit code: COS60004
   • 12.5 credit points
2. Technology Design Project
   • Unit code: COS60011
   • 12.5 credit points
3. Programming Principles and Practices
   • Unit code: COS60018
   • 12.5 credit points
4. Internet Security
   • Unit code: COS80013
   • 12.5 credit points
5. Advanced Threats in AI and Data Security
   • Unit code: CYB70006
   • 12.5 credit points
6. Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices
   • Unit code: ICT60001
   • 12.5 credit points
7. Network Administration
   • Unit code: TNE60002
   • 12.5 credit points
8. Networks and Switching
   • Unit code: TNE60006
   • 12.5 credit points

Main subject areas

The programme covers areas including:

• Web application development
• Programming
• Internet security
• Cyber security fundamentals
• Advanced threats involving AI and data security
• Network administration
• Networks and switching
• Technology design and project work
• Cyber security threat identification and classification
• Security-risk diagnosis and prevention

Disciplines / Specialisations

This is a focused Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security rather than a programme with separate specialisation streams.

Primary discipline:

• Cyber Security

Key areas include:

• Network security
• Internet security
• Cyber-attack prevention
• Security-risk identification
• Security-risk diagnosis
• Security-risk prevention and remediation
• Web security
• Penetration testing
• Anti-virus technologies
• Network administration
• AI and data security
• Cyber security projects

Programme Highlights

• 1-year full-time graduate certificate.
• 100 credit points.
• 8 core units.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Classroom-based delivery.
• Industry-supported project-based learning.
• Cyber security-focused curriculum.
• Internet Security.
• Advanced Threats in AI and Data Security.
• Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices.
• Network Administration.
• Networks and Switching.
• Web application development.
• Technology Design Project.
• Direct progression structure into Swinburne's broader Cyber Security qualification pathway.
• Maximum academic credit of 50 credit points.
• Focus on practical security skills relevant to anti-virus, penetration testing and web security industries.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne states that the skills developed through the programme should assist graduates seeking employment in:

• Anti-virus
• Penetration testing
• Web security

The qualification also develops knowledge relevant to professional activities involving:

• Cyber security analysis
• Network security
• Security-risk assessment
• Internet security
• Security operations
• Network administration
• Web security
• Cyber security project work

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current CRICOS code: 098493G.
• Current 2027 intakes: 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• Current application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• Campus: Hawthorn.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The course requires 100 credit points.
• Maximum academic credit is 50 credit points.
• Applicants using relevant industry experience for admission must provide a CV and supporting evidence.
• Relevant experience used for admission cannot also be used to claim further RPL/credit.
• The qualification is the first stage of a nested suite that includes the Graduate Diploma of Cyber Security as an exit award and the Master of Cyber Security.
• The individual unit list is not displayed in the current Graduate Certificate course-page table, but the current Master of Cyber Security page identifies the eight Graduate Certificate units.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student studying this programme in Australia is generally the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Confirmation of Enrolment

Applicants must:

• Receive an offer from Swinburne.
• Meet the conditions of the offer.
• Accept the offer and complete the required enrolment/payment process.
• Obtain a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Provide the CoE as required for the Student visa application.