Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 1.4 years P/T
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7471
- CRICOS code -
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $17,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $17,500*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $22,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $23,000*
- 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? Within every organisation there is a balance to be found between security and productivity. This program aims to equip current and aspiring leaders in cyber security with the knowledge required to make the best decisions possible in an ever-changing environment. Giving you the skills, tools, and context required to lead teams to solve problems that don’t yet exist.
Developed alongside cybersecurity professionals and leading academics, the program provides a broad understanding of the fundamental technical concepts of cyber security. It looks at the potential ethical, financial and reputational impacts of cyber security breaches and aims to develop key communication skills that enable cross-organisation cooperation and understanding when it comes to cyber security policy, procedures and governance.
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership 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
Delivered by UNSW Canberra, the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership explores the fundamentals of cyber security with a focus on ethics, risk mitigation and effective communication across organisations. The program teaches practical skills that are in high demand among organisations, governments and institutions.
Cyber security threats are increasingly common and pose one of the most prevalent risks to business, according to the Governance Risk Institute of Australia Report 2021. Organisations need professionals who possess skills to address, manage and minimise these risks.
This industry-aligned program is ideal for managers, leaders and professionals who want to refine and advance their knowledge of cyber security in a modern business context.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Study at a global top 20 university
When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Leadership, you’ll gain a widely-recognised qualification from a world-renowned institution. Part of the wider UNSW network, UNSW Canberra represents one of Australia’s leading universities, recognised for research excellence and impact. We’re also a founding Group of Eight member – a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities.
Flexible study options to suit you
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.
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is offered as a part-time program over 4 terms. Students must successfully complete 24 UOC to gain the relevant qualification. The program runs as follows:
- 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 in Cyber Security Leadership
As this course is designed for professionals across a wide range of industries, the potential job opportunities are numerous and varied. Individuals already working in cyber security may pursue C-suite and higher-level leadership roles with the support of this highly-valued credential. Experienced professionals looking to move into cyber security may unlock mid-level to senior leadership roles in organisations across various 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 jobs in Cyber Security Leadership:
- Head of Cyber Security
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Cyber Security Policy Writer
- Cyber Risk and Compliance Officer
- Manager of Organisational Policy and Procedure
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 Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.