A 100% online cyber security course is an opportunity to progress in this exciting field.
Looking for a good course in cyber security? Look no further than these lists of Australia's best 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 and check with individual providers to see funding opportunities.
Student loans from the Australian Government are available for accredited qualifications at diploma level and above. For TAFE courses such as diplomas and advanced diplomas, VET students loans will often cover tuition fees. 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 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, VIC and SA. 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, 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. Government funding options for individual students include Skilling South Australia, User Choice (in the ACT), and Higher Level Skills 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. Fees are subsidised everywhere except the NT. 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 is available as an Australian Apprenticeship, and is subdised in all states and the ACT.
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 University - 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 (Cyber Security)
The Bachelor of Information Technology at Charles Sturt University offers a Cyber Security major with a focus on network security, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity management. Through project-based learning, students tackle real-world security challenges. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Cyber Security Analyst and Network Security Specialist, making them highly employable across Australian industries and organisations.
Deakin University - 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.
Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security
A 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.
Earn a recognised cybersecurity credential, adding value to your resume. Completed subjects also count towards masters degrees. Certificates are available in management and professional categories.
UNSW Online - Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security from UNSW Online builds foundational skills in the discipline. The program consists of four 7-week modules, covering cyber security foundations, data security and privacy, ethics, and security engineering principles. Designed for working professionals, you can study online flexibly while working full-time. The course is part of UNSW Online's Master of Cyber Security.
Edith Cowan University - Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security
ECU offers a 3-subject Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security that only takes 6 months of part-time study. It leads on to a masters degree with Technical Analysis and Governance specialisations. Core subjects are Cyber Security, Networking Technologies, and Network Security. Students benefit from joining one of Australia's largest cyber education programs, with strong industry links. It's open to university graduates (any degree) and to professionals with relevant experience.
Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security
A Graduate Diploma 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.
UNSW Online - Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security
The 100% online Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security at UNSW is an 8-subject course that accommodates managerial and technical training. 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 degree program is accelerated, allowing you to finish inside 16 months while working full time.
Masters in Cyber Security
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.
Popular specialisations include 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.
ECU - Master of Cyber Security (Technical Analysis)
Strong technical analysis, with accompanying security measures, is how you consistently protect a company's network and information assets. You can major in this discipline at Edith Cowan University. Students explore network security, networking technologies, scripting languages, digital forensics, data visualisation, and incident response. Graduates are prepared for any cybersecurity role but, importantly, are ready to provide day-to-day protection for their employer.
UNSW Online - Master of Cyber Security (Security Engineering)
A major in Security Engineering at UNSW Online could set you up for a lucrative career in this specialised field. Along with core cyber topics, you'll cover subjects such as advanced penetration testing, cloud security, digital forensics, and reverse engineering. Graduates with this degree go on to perform roles such as developing and deploying security systems, penetration testing systems, and troubleshooting incidents.
UNSW Online - Master of Cyber Security (Management)
If you see your role as more manager than technician, consider a Management major with UNSW. 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 but you won't do as many advanced technical subjects compared to other specialisations. Managers coordinate cybersecurity efforts across teams.
ECU - Master of Cyber Security (Governance)
Become a highly qualified cyber security manager with Edith Cowan University's major in Governance. The 100% online, 12-unit program is well connected to industry. Topics include cyberspace governance, digital forensics, network security, project management, security ethics, and cyberspace law and policy. The exam-free masters is open to university graduates (any discipline) and experienced professionals.
Is Cyber Security in Demand in Australia?
Cyber security is in high demand in Australia, mirroring global trends. The rise in digital business activities and more frequent, sophisticated cyber attacks fuel this need. Educational programs are expanding to meet this demand.
Job prospects in cyber security are strong, with high salaries reflecting the sector's value. The median salary is in excess of $120k and entry-level roles often offer around $100k. This demonstrates the financial and job security benefits of a career in this field.
Continuous learning is required due to rapidly evolving technology and threats. Most professionals hold university degrees and also do ongoing training as needed. This constant development makes the career dynamic and appealing for tech enthusiasts.
Related: Is Cyber Security a Good Career in Australia?
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.
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