In a nutshell
Australia is facing a severe shortage of job-ready cyber security workers, requiring an estimated 16,600 additional cyber security workers for technical as well as non-technical positions by 2026¹.
The Graduate Diploma is designed for those looking to build upon foundational knowledge and gain the cyber security skills needed to meet demand in an evolving industry. Develop a holistic perspective of the current and emerging trends in cybercrime and gain the technical skills to secure modern networks against cyber-attacks.
Designed by leading cyber security academics and industry experts and built to remain relevant in a continuously developing sector, this dynamic and rewarding program provides you with the skills employers demand, for a successful career in cyber security.
¹AustCyber, Sector Competitiveness Plan, 2019 .
What you’ll need
Specialisation: Management and Leadership
- Have completed a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security with a WAM of 65 or greater as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator or no fails; OR
- Have completed a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline (e.g. Engineering, Business, Science, Leadership, Policy) with a WAM of 65 or greater as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator; OR
- Four years of relevant experience* with demonstrated skills and ability in leadership; AND
- Proficient in the English language.
*Relevant work experience for the Management and Leadership specialisation includes, but is not limited to, roles in Business Strategy, HR Management, Change Management, Project Management, Policy or Leadership as well as the following: Business Systems Analyst, Front end developer, Application coder, Game designer, Cyber Security Analyst, Software Developer, Consultant in Risk or Business, Penetration Tester, Security Team Manager, Digital Forensics specialist, Cyber Security Change and Awareness Manager, Cyber Security Outreach Trainer, Private Investigator, Specialist Police and Military roles, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Computer Systems or Information Auditor, Data Privacy and Electronics Technician, Project Manager, Executive Officer, Technical Manager, Analyst.
Specialisation: Security Engineering
- Have completed a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security with a WAM of 65 or greater as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator or no fails; OR
- Have completed a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Science or Engineering or a degree containing considerable mathematics and/or statistics courses) with a WAM of 65 or greater as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator; OR
- Four years of relevant experience* with demonstrated skills and ability in leadership; AND
- Proficient in the English language.
*Relevant experience for the Security Engineering specialisation includes, but is not limited to, the following roles: Business Systems Analyst, Front End Developer, Application Coder, Game Designer, Cyber Security Analyst, Software Developer, Consultant in Risk or Business, Penetration Tester, Security Team Manager, Digital Forensics Specialist, Cyber Security Change and Awareness Manager, Cyber Security Outreach Trainer, Private Investigator, Specialist Police and Military roles, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Computer Systems or Information Auditor, Data Privacy, Electronics Technician, Project Manager, Executive Officer, Technical Manager, Analyst, Systems Administrator, Network or Telecommunications Engineer.
Subject summary
The Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security comprises eight online courses, with the option of selecting from a Management and Leadership or Security Engineering specialisation. The Graduate Diploma program consists of four foundation courses, three specialisation electives, and one elective of choice.
Core courses
- Foundations of Cyber Security
- Data Security and Privacy
- Cyber Security Ethics
- Principles of Security Engineering
Management and Leadership specialisation electives
- Cyber Operations
- Cyber and the Law
- Cyber Management and Governance
- Cyber Threats and Crime
Security Engineering specialisation electives
- Cloud Security
- Penetration Testing
- Advanced Penetration Testing*
- Reverse Engineering
- Digital Forensics
*Pre-requisite required: Penetration Testing
Should you choose to pursue a Master of Cyber Security upon the successful completion of your Graduate Diploma, the following prerequisites must be considered:
- Fundamentals of coding: C and Assembler is a prerequisite for Reverse Engineering.
- Operation System Fundamentals is a prerequisite for Digital Forensics.
Why UNSW Online?

Study 100% Online with UNSW. A World Leader.
UNSW is a globally recognised leader in education, with a focus on industry applicable programs. When you study online with UNSW, you can expect to learn from world-class academics and collaborate with ambitious, like-minded individuals.
Study at Australia’s Global University. Anywhere, anytime.
Studying online at UNSW means that you have the flexibility to shape your studies to fit your life and career goals. The programs have been designed with busy working professionals in mind so you can study one course at a time, 100% online & accelerated, whilst working
Designed by Industry for Industry.
The UNSW online programs have been developed in close consultation with industry experts equipping you with applicable and career-related skills. UNSW is ranked in the top 3 universities in Australia for graduate employability, and is 27th in the world (QS University World Rankings by Graduate Employability, 2020) with each program offering advanced disciplinary depth, giving you access to the latest thinking and current research.
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