A 100% online cyber security course is an opportunity to break into this exciting field. You can build job-ready skills while earning a vocational or university qualification.
Looking for a good course in cyber security? Look no further than these lists of Australia's top degrees, certificates, and diplomas. The programs will give you skills to prevent cyber attacks, secure data, and maintain network services.
Study options include short courses for beginners, a bachelor degree to kickstart your career, and postgraduate programs such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and masters degrees. Additionally, government-funded courses are available, including the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
Index Of Courses
Government Funded Courses
Government funded cyber security courses are available for free, or at a heavily subsidised rate. The best way to find free courses is to identify what kind of program you want to do, find the ones, and then check with providers to see funding opportunities.
Always remember that student loans from the Australian Government are often available for accredited qualifications. In the case of TAFE courses such as certificates and diplomas, VET students loans will cover your costs. You only pay the loan back gradually based on annual income.
To be honest, we can't keep up with all the subsidy programs at both state and federal levels. But they generally apply to accredited vocational courses such as these below. As mentioned, find ones you like and then check with the providers to see if you're eligible for government funding.
Certificate IV in Cyber Security
Certificate IV in Cyber Security is a technician level program that provides participants with knowledge and technical skills to seek employment as a cybersecurity technician. The qualification is subsidised by the state and territory governments of NSW, QLD, SA, and VIC. It covers a range of topics such as network security, cloud security, disaster recovery and contingency plans, and legislation. Additionally, the course is available as an Australian Apprenticeship in NT and QLD, offering opportunities to learn new skills and be paid in over 500 different jobs.
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security)
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) from Upskilled trains students to become Network Security Specialists. The online course has an 18-24 month timeframe, although you can complete it at your own pace. Topics include cybersecurity risk assessments, network security management, threat data analysis, and the design and testing of network servers. Online learners have access to a simulated workplace and resources such as online tutorials, video content, and Pluralsight. For individual students, government funding options include Skilling South Australia, JobTrainer, User Choice (in the ACT), and the Higher Level Skills and Certificate 3 Guarantee in Queensland.
Certificate IV in Information Technology
Certificate IV in Information Technology develops skills in diverse areas such database development, gaming development, networking, programming, systems administration support, and web development. The course has 20 units, including seven core units and 13 elective units. There is a Cyber Security Incident Response set of electives, which include network security, incident identification, response planning and implementation, vulnerability assessment, and threat analysis. The average duration is 15 months at an average cost of $7,283. Fees are subsidised by all state and territory governments. The qualification is available as an Australian Apprenticeship.
Certificate III in Information Technology
Certificate III in Information Technology prepares you for ICT roles, including animation, basic cloud computing, cyber awareness, digital media skills, generalist IT support services, networking, programming, systems, and web development. The course comprises 12 units, including six core units and six elective units. The cyber specialisation covers basic cyber awareness, security, threat assessment, risk management, incident response, and monitoring of ICT systems. The course duration is typically 10 months, and the average cost is $4,384. In all states and territories, the course is both subsidised and available as an Australian Apprenticeship.
Short Courses for Beginners
Short courses are available for non-IT professionals who want to know more about cybersecurity risks and countermeasures. The online courses are open to anyone. You can enrol even if you have no qualifications or background in the subject. University short courses may be assessed and can advance your career, though they don't count towards a degree.
RMIT Cyber Security Risk and Strategy
RMIT University offers a 100% online 6-week course where you learn about cyber security risks and mitigation strategies. No technical or IT knowledge is required to participate. The course is organised into six weekly modules, covering the basics of cyber security, managing risks, preventing attacks, protecting a business, incident management and how to build on the knowledge you gain. The program is equivalent to a unit of university study. By finishing, you earn an RMIT certificate and verifiable university credential.
Bachelor of Cyber Security
If you haven't studied at university before, the conventional way to start a cyber technology career is with a Bachelor of Cyber Security, Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Computer Science. Three-year bachelor degrees in technology are available through 100% online study. Network engineering is a popular specialisation for the industry, with many current cybersecurity professionals having this background.
CSU Bachelor of Information Technology
Charles Sturt University offers a popular Bachelor of Information Technology degree. Of the four specialisations, future cybersecurity specialists may be most interested in network engineering. "IT Security" is a core unit for all students. Whatever major you choose, the degree and training provide a foundation for any potential career in information technology.
Deakin Bachelor of Cyber Security
Deakin University's Bachelor of Cyber Security allows for a high level of specialisation. The course draws from the Bachelor of Information Technology program and features topics such as cybersecurity analytics, cryptography, and computer crime and digital forensics. You can study in the cloud (online) mode. All students must complete compulsory non-credit units on academic integrity, safety induction and introduction to work placements.
A cyber security graduate certificate is the shortest university course providing an accredited qualification. A 3-4 subject online program is substantial nonetheless and requires 6-8 months of part-time study.
You earn a recognised cybersecurity credential, adding value to your resume. As well, completed subjects count towards a future masters, such as a Masters in Cyber Security, MBA or Master of Technology Management.
Graduate certificates are available in management and professional categories. For most specialisations, you should have a relevant degree and/or experience... READ MORE
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics
Data analytics has many uses and one class of them is to identity, analyse and prevent cyberthreats. Cybersecurity analytics involves the collection and analysis of data such as user data, event logs and firewall interactions.
A Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics teaches you to do cyber security while also building data analytics skills. You gain practical knowledge as well as multi-purpose analytics skills.
To quality for entry to an analytics course, you should normally have a technology degree or professional experience... READ MORE
Graduate Certificate in Data and Cyber Management
A Graduate Certificate in Data and Cyber Management helps managers use data more safely and effectively. The online course forms part of an MBA program and is suitable for managers without a strong technical background.
Cybersecurity needs often tie in with business uses of data. For example, a company may use customer data analytics to inform decisions. Strong protection comes from placing security controls close to the data.
A data and cyber management course builds knowledge in areas such as risk assessment, threat handling, big data, and cybersecurity laws... READ MORE
Graduate Certificate in Network Security
Network security is about protecting and securely managing information flows within an organisation. Network security is a key element of cybersecurity and the most important job responsibility for many professionals in the industry.
A Graduate Certificate in Network Security explores topics such as data communication technologies, network design, and tiered user models. As well, you may study the robust use of scripting to automate tasks.
Studying network security provides foundational knowledge for many cyber security careers, including Technical Analyst and Governance... READ MORE
Graduate Diploma
A Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security is the right length of course for many professionals wanting to advance their cybersecurity careers. You're able to build foundation skills as well as develop advanced skills in certain areas. In Australia's, a graduate diploma online course typically consists of 8 subjects and can be completed over 16 months of part-time study.
Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security at UNSW Online
The 100% online Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security at UNSW is an 8-subject course that allows for both managerial and technical training. The skills you develop in the postgraduate program will help open career opportunities in the field. Subjects in the Management specialisation include cyber operations and cyber laws. The Security Engineering specialisation covers cloud security, penetration testing and digital forensics, among other topics. The program is accelerated, allowing you to finish inside 16 months while working full time.
The ultimate cybersecurity education program is a master's degree. In Australia, an online Master of Cyber Security is a 12-subject program. You typically complete this over 24 months of part-time, exam-free study.
In choosing an online course, you should consider the specialisations available. Popular majors are management, cybersecurity analysis and security engineering. You can also study cybersecurity management in MBA or Master of Technology Management programs.
Entry requirements vary depending on the level of technical content contained... READ MORE
Master of Cyber Security Analysis
Strong technical analysis, with accompanying security measures, is how you consistently protect a company's network and information assets. You can major in cybersecurity analysis as part of a master's degree in Australia.
Students explore topics such as network security, networking technologies, scripting languages, digital forensics, data visualisation, and incident response.
Graduates come away prepared for any cyber security role but, importantly, are ready to provide day-to-day protection for their employer... READ MORE
Master of Cyber Security Engineering
A major in Security Engineering could really set you up for a lucrative career. According to InfoSec, cybersecurity engineering "utilizes some of the most in-demand information security and IT skills, pays well and is very much a role that many organizations are desperately trying to fill."
In a cybersecurity engineering master's program, expect to spend extra time on topics like penetration testing, cloud security, digital forensics, and reverse engineering.
Graduates are in demand to do jobs such as developing and deploying security systems, penetration testing, and troubleshooting incidents... READ MORE
Master of Cyber Security Management
If you see your role as more manager than technician, consider a masters in cybersecurity management. As well as general topics, students delve into management concerns such as enterprise risk, governance programs for staff, legal and ethical issues, and operations management.
Some technical aptitude is needed for a cybersecurity management masters. But you won't do as many advanced technical subjects compared to other specialisations.
Graduates are typically employed by medium and large organisations to coordinate and manage cybersecurity efforts across teams... READ MORE
Master of Technology Management
A Master of Technology Management is a flexible degree. You can study management of cybersecurity along with other technology fields, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases and information systems.
To be an effective cybersecurity manager, you need solid technical and managerial knowledge. But you may also benefit from studying complementary and related topics, putting you in a stronger position for executive roles.
The beauty of an MTM and most other masters is that you can start with a graduate certificate to test the program... READ MORE
MBA in Cyber Security
If you want learn about cyber security but also gain strong management qualifications, consider a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cyber Security. This is a program with limited technical content.
As will all MBA programs, the emphasis will be on building transferable management and leaderships skills. But with a Cyber Security major, you also learn how to manage business activities where cybersecurity and data protection are vital.
Topics you might cover in a Cybersecurity MBA include risk analysis, threat management, global security issues, big data, digital operations, and leadership in practice... READ MORE
Build a Secure, Lucrative Career
A cyber security course is a genuinely solid investment. Your education will help build a career in one of the most secure professions. There are claims that, due to unmet demand, the global unemployment rate among cyber security experts has been sitting at zero per cent since 2016.
When you study for a cyber qualification, the issue is not so much of whether you'll get a job but the selection of jobs you'll have to choose from. Talent.com estimates the median salary for cyber security in Australia is $120,360, with entry-level positions providing $100k in remuneration.
This field is one for people who love online learning. The vast majority of professionals have a university degree. And ongoing professional development is a must. One factor that makes the job so interesting is that it's constantly evolving along with technology. The best time to start your learning journey with cyber education is online today.
Cyber Security vs Network Security
Cyber Security Careers – Job Ad Snippets
Snippets from ads for relevant jobs. Random sample.
Junior Cyber Security Analyst – Verizon
This is a great entry level role to kick start your career in Cyber Security. You will be educated on the job how to handle common security, monitoring and other incidents on a SIEMS platform. 2 years enterprise experience is required.
Threat Analyst – Fujitsu
You will be working both on the client side and to support corporate projects and capabilities. The role is to provide strategic advice and act as a trusted advisor, profiling the organisation’s risk level and threat actors in the wild. You need experience in security and extensive exposure to threat intelligence modelling.
Cyber Security Analyst – ME Bank
Opportunity for a Cyber Security Analyst to join our ever-expanding cybersecurity team. You’ll help protect information assets within third party supplier partnerships and engagements. You will perform risk and security assessments to ensure suppliers adhere to our approved Risk Framework.
Hastha Solutions
Cyber security permanent position in Canberra. You will assess the security posture of Windows and other systems as part of vulnerability assessment. You have experience working on enterprise software and systems such as Active Directory, Windows and Linux.
Internship Program – Dept of Defence
We are interested in individuals who want to further their knowledge and understanding of ICT delivery, cyber security, information security, cryptography, or data science in a workplace environment. Internship Program for tertiary students studying in ICT, Cyber Security, Information Security, Engineering, Mathematics.
Cyber Security Designer – BT
You will be responsible for supporting the system engineering of security and cyber products and solutions. The candidate will have keen interest in all aspects of the cyber security industry and will be able to lead initiatives both within the organisation and out to customers.
Thinkstream
Cyber Security Technical professionals sought to provide ongoing support for various funded projects. Ideally, you have 5-years experience, including in penetration testing, reverse engineering and/or security monitoring.
Cyber Security Analyst – Synergy AU
Your main priority will be to act as the custodian for our ICT Security. Key accountabilities are to maintain information security policies and processes, manage cyber and ICT audit and assurance, coordinate ICT risks and remediation activities, and manage cyber risks.
FAQs
Cyber security is a growing field in which the job is to protect networks and systems from digital attacks. Demand for expertise is expanding along with our reliance on IT systems and the methods cyber criminals devise to hack into our networks.
Cyber-attacks may be carried out by individuals or groups. The intention is to steal information or disrupt the proper functioning of an enterprise. Every business or online organization needs some level of protection, and many are paying for IT professionals to ensure the integrity of their information systems.
Cyber security experts protect businesses and government from potential criminal activities. Cybercrimes have multiplied in recent years. These attacks can impose huge costs on individual companies. Industries around the world are looking for trained, certified professionals to prevent or respond to threats.
With the right training, you'll be able to set yourself for a lucrative career. Experts are paid handsomely by companies as they invest in properly securing their information systems.
To work in cyber security, it helps to have a strong background in information and communication technology. Many pros have a university degree in information technology, often majoring in network engineering or similar. Short industry-accredited courses are also popular as a way to build and demonstrate technical capability.
With respect to online university courses, you can now do specialist bachelor degrees. At a postgraduate level, online graduate certificates and master’s degrees are available. Universities cater to both IT professionals and, through non-technical programs, business managers who have the role of coordinating cyber security efforts.
If you are completely new to the subject, you may want to go for a university degree to learn about cybersecurity from a foundation level. A bachelor degree takes three years to complete in Australia.
Shorter courses are available as well for postgraduate students. A master’s degree is around one and a half years of full-time study. You can choose to do parts of a masters program and qualify with a graduate certificate (6 months usually) or graduate diploma (12 months).
If you haven't studied at university before and want to become a cybersecurity professional, a Bachelor of Cyber Security or other technology degree is the best cyber security course to do.
The vast majority of professionals in the industry have a university degree, most commonly a Bachelor of Information Technology or similar. The ideal foundations for a career is to specialise in your chosen field. But you don't have to specialise in cyber security necessarily, as a general technology education complemented by cyber studies can work as well. Many cyber experts have a network engineering background.
If you already have a degree or significant experience, then look towards a postgraduate course. You can start with a graduate certificate, for which general and specialised training is available. Do a general program if you don't have much previous education or experience. Either way, you're able to progress to complete a graduate diploma or master's degree.
Postgraduate cyber security courses are almost always embedded in masters program. A graduate certificate consists of four subjects from the program, a graduate diploma is eight subjects, and a masters is 12-16 subjects long.
For postgraduate study, you can choose a technical or management study stream. Programs for managers have limited technical content but offer the knowledge to provide effective oversight or coordination of security operations.
Of the technical sub-fields with the industry, key examples are network security (for which many jobs are available), cybersecurity analytics (which provides a versatile skillset that you can extend into data analytics jobs), and security engineering (which is one of the more demanding and lucrative specialisations).
You may notice that cybersecurity job postings often don't mention a university degree requirement. However, if you're able to, getting a bachelor degree is worth it.
A degree gives you a competitive edge against people who don't have one, especially for entry-level positions. Just a slight advantage in this regard can easily translate into better jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra pay over your career.
A degree opens up the full spectrum of career opportunities within the field. You can apply for essentially any role once you have appropriate experience. Not having a degree would be a limiting factor considering that an estimated 86% of cybersecurity professionals have a bachelor's degree or higher qualification (Source: ISC2).
Studying IT at university level builds a strong all-round knowledge base. You won't suffer from knowledge gaps that can arise by relying on self-education. The ideal candidate for a job has everything: experience, any relevant technical certifications, and a degree.
Masters and other postgraduate cybersecurity courses are available in both professional and management streams. You should normally be a university graduate, though you can make up for a lack of university education with relevant professional experience.
Professional or technical programs are designed for people with IT skills already. You should have an IT-related degree or relevant experience. Common bachelor degrees for students entering professional classes are computer science, information technology and information systems.
Management or non-technical courses are open to people from different backgrounds. Classes may be made up of IT experts as well as managers who have never coded. They might have a background in marketing, communications, law or commerce for example.
Most postgraduate university courses, including graduate certificates and diplomas, are part of masters programs. Entry requirements may be lower for graduate certificates, providing pathways into graduate diploma and master's courses. Completed subjects in a graduate certificate almost always count as credit towards higher qualifications.
