Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

Secure your future in cybersecurity in just 6 months.

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Entry requirements

Key information

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2+ years' professional work experience or a bachelor's degree

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2025 : $4,656 (CSP)

2025 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study Cybersecurity at Flinders?

Be in demand with cybersecurity skills. Study a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity to gain in-demand skills essential for future careers. Master cybersecurity governance, protect critical systems and prepare for top certifications like CISCO and Fortinet.

Gain in-demand skills.

Cybersecurity skills are in high demand across every industry, making you more employable and ready for a future-proof career.

Opportunities for career growth

Cybersecurity offers strong salary potential and career growth, even for entry-level positions.

Make a real impact

You’ll gain skills that protect people, data, and infrastructure, making a real-world impact.

Need for experts

Global cybercrime is projected to cost over $10 trillion annually by 2025, driving urgent need for skilled experts.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

You’ll study 4 topics and learn how to design, develop and secure network systems, combining technical skills with governance approaches. Topics range from networking fundamentals to advanced enterprise security, with a focus on practical solutions for real-world challenges.

Course handbook

Core Topics

Cloud and Distributed Computing
Networking Fundamentals
Advanced Enterprise Security
Networks and Cybersecurity

Your career

With the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, graduates will find career opportunities in various sectors including defence, business, government and IT.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$165,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$141,722^*

Expected salary
$132,499^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$112,169^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$165,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$141,722^*

Expected salary
$132,499^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$112,169^*

Potential employers

Government agencies
IT security firms
Financial institutions
Defence and defence industry
Multinational corporations
Education sector
Hospitals and health sector

Professional accreditations

This course is aligned with industry standards in cybersecurity and provides an AQF Level 8 qualification. Graduates are well-positioned to continue their professional development or transition into higher study such as a Master in Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems). It also equips you with the skills and knowledge to undertake industry certifications with CISCO and Fortinet.

Industry-relevant experience

Practical experience
Industry connections

Gain practical skills working on project-based assessments that simulate real cybersecurity scenarios, preparing you for workplace challenges as well as industry certifications with CISCO and Fortinet.

CISCO - Enterprise networking software and hardware.
Fortinet - Enterprise networking software and hardware.

Upon completion of this course, graduates receive a voucher to take one of the Fortinet certifications for free. Graduates will also receive a discount voucher for Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS).

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Winner of the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards "Best Future Skills Provider" 2024.

An industry-formed curriculum that ensures you'll be learning what's crucial in today's job market.

Flinders is a recognised CISCO Academy provider.

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023 **QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Associate Professor Alireza Jolfaei

Associate Professor, College of Science and Engineering

See full profile

Associate Professor Alireza Jolfaei is a cybersecurity leader shaping the future of digital safety at Flinders University. As an Associate Professor and Senior IEEE Member, his groundbreaking research on Cyber-Physical Systems Security tackles challenges in critical infrastructure protection. An award-winning scholar, Alireza inspires innovation and resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats worldwide.

Dr Saeed Rehman

Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity and Networking, College of Science and Engineering

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Meet Dr. Saeed Rehman, a trailblazer in wireless network security and cybersecurity innovation at Flinders University. With expertise spanning satellite communications, AI-driven cybersecurity, and fog computing, Saeed's innovative research drives advancements in secure connectivity. An accomplished academic and mentor, he inspires future leaders in cybersecurity while pioneering solutions for tomorrow's digital challenges.

Dr Gihan Gunasekara

Associate Lecturer in Cisco Networking, College of Science and Engineering

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Dr. Gihan Gunasekara is a cybersecurity and networking specialist with 24+ years of industry experience. He focuses on enterprise security, threat mitigation, and digital asset protection. Actively bridging research and industry, he contributes to the Flinders Digital Health Research Centre and CISCO Digital Health Design Lab. His work explores proactive defence and next-gen security technologies.

Professor Trish Williams

Professor of Digital Health Systems College of Science and Engineering

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Professor Williams has a strong focus on the translation of research into practical application, demonstration of the contribution that digital health technologies can make to support healthcare, and the use of information security as an enabler for improved healthcare communication and interoperability. She is recognised internationally for her digital health information security expertise and experience in digital health information interoperability.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

have a minimum of two years' full-time equivalent professional work experience in the information technology sector; or
hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.

*Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Information Technology; Bachelor of Computer Science; or a specialisation in Cybersecurity within the last 3 years from date of commencement of the course are not eligible to apply.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Will this course give me the knowledge to complete a Fortinet Certification?

Yes, the topics covered in the course will have you prepared to pass some Fortinet certifications.

Will this course give me the knowledge to pass a Cisco Certification?

Yes, the course teaches you the skills and knowhow to pass Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS).

Will I learn cloud tools like MS Azure and Amazon Web Services?

Yes, these tools are covered in our online program, and you will learn how to use them in an industry setting.

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

You will only need some work experience; we will teach you what you need to know to start a new career in this growing industry.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.