Diploma of Cyber Security

Name: Diploma of Cyber Security
Price: <a href='#fees-and-scholarships'> Commonwealth supported place </a> AUD

VU course code: VDCS | Level of study: Undergraduate

ATAR

Not required

Duration

1 year full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

Hybrid

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Footscray Nicholson

Next start date

24 February 2025

Application closes

16 February 2025

View all start dates

A group of young adults at computers in a modern, bright computer lab

Overview

Gain highly valued skills to combat hackers and digital scammers by studying for the Diploma of Cyber Security at Victoria University.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses and governments urgently need skilled professionals to safeguard their data and systems. With a significant shortage of qualified individuals, now is the ideal time to start your career in cybersecurity.

A Diploma in Cyber Security provides the foundational skills and knowledge required to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. You'll be well-prepared to enter the workforce, having gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies and practices, including:

ethical hacking
digital forensics
network security
threat analysis
vulnerability assessment
incident response.

You will graduate with theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to advance your career opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate or considering a career change, this qualification is your gateway to secure, entry-level positions in an industry essential to the modern world.

If you complete this diploma, you will be eligible for a guaranteed place in the second year of the Bachelor of Cyber Security at Victoria University.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a broad understanding of fundamental information technology concepts in key areas such as network security, operating systems, ethical hacking, and incident response.

Employ the latest technologies and develop self-learning abilities to address and solve real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Exhibit a range of interpersonal and academic skills with a strong emphasis on practical development, both independently and in collaborative environments.

Demonstrate the ability to engage in cybersecurity practice, independently or collaboratively, with a strong industry focus while taking responsibility for lifelong learning and professional growth.
: With more and more companies adopting cloud services and storage, valuable data and information systems are increasingly under threat from hackers and industrial spies.
Beyond just accessing information, hackers can penetrate enterprise networks, encrypt the hard drive of computers and extort the organisation or computer owners to pay for unlocking the system.
Globally, cyber security is expected to have an annual growth of over 20% in the next five years.
: Study this course via our award-winning VU Block Model®, where you complete one subject at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several at once.
Learning in workshop-style classes, you’ll develop strong connections with your peers and practical skills for your future career.
You’ll also get fast feedback on your assignments, helping you to improve quickly as you progress through your course.
Learn more about the VU Block Model®
: Our experienced academic staff have a strong track record in cyber security research, providing you with a modern, up-to-date course.
The course has been designed in collaboration with experts in the cyber security industry to ensure you have insights into the latest developments in this field.
: To prepare you for professional challenges, we have created a simulated work environment where you will learn to assess risk and control cyber-security threats.
You will be given real-world problems to solve, as sourced from industry. With a hands-on approach to cyber security, you will gain expertise in network security, ethical hacking, and incident detection and response.
Through these practical experiences, you will develop the ability to assess, manage, and mitigate cyber-security threats, and graduate ready for a successful career in the field.
: Our Diploma of Cyber Security follows a hybrid learning model and is delivered through a combination of on-campus (in-person) classes 2 days a week and online classes 1 day per week.
You'll be able to access resources and complete activities online, prior to attending face-to-face sessions, where your learning will be consolidated.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

No minimum ATAR required

This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.

Why ATAR is not applicable

You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.

Entry criteria

Minimum entry criteria include:

English-language requirements
academic requirements.

Your work and life experience will also be considered.

To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

: This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)

an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE

an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Admission criteria

Successful completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent).
: This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute).

Admission criteria

Any Certificate IV in Information Technology or equivalent.
: This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course.
: This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since.

Admission criteria

Applicants with relevant work, education and/or community experience will be considered for admission to the course.

Special entry programs

Special admission programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

VU Early Entry

If you're currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Early Entry program comes with a Conditional Offer to the course of your choosing*, a personalised course plan, special events, exclusive discounts and access to one-on-one course advice.

*Conditions apply.

Learn more about VU Early Entry

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Diploma of Information Technology, students will be required to complete:

96 credit points

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places