Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

Programming skill represents a generic problem-solving ability, and is considered essential for anyone involved in the development and maintenance of software systems. 

This course aims to introduce you to foundational knowledge about: 

• computer systems; 
• their components and interactions between components; 
• the conceptual building blocks necessary for programming; and 
• basic computer programming skills. 

Learning outcomes:  

• Analyse simple computing problems 
• Devise suitable algorithmic solutions and code these algorithmic solutions in a computer programming language 
• Develop maintainable and reusable solutions using the object oriented paradigm. 

This course aims to provide a broad introduction to the fundamentals of data communication and network technology. The emphasis is on data communication from the perspective of computer scientists and information technologists. The course covers the underlying mechanisms and their characteristics that need to be considered by communicating application software. 

Topics include: 

• principles and reference models of data communication, 
• basic operation of communication systems, 
• protocols, error handling and applications in networked environments. 

Learning outcomes:  

• Describe, explain, and communicate the basic concepts of data communication 
• Demonstrate knowledge of higher-level aspects of data communications and network technology, details of the underlying mechanisms, principles, reference models, protocols, error handling, appropriate for the development of software applications in a networked environment 
• Identify and explain emerging networking technologies 
• Analyse communications systems that use the TCP/IP protocol suite and the abstract 7-layer OSI reference model 
• Apply knowledge of data communication concepts to solve problems involving data communications 
• Apply mathematical/analytic skills to basic performance evaluation, utilisation, throughput, and delay. 

The course gives you a set of practical skills for handling data that comes in a variety of formats and sizes, such as texts, spatial and time series data. These skills cover the data analysis lifecycle from initial access and acquisition, modelling, transformation, integration, querying, application of statistical learning and data mining methods, and presentation of results. This includes data wrangling, the process of converting raw data into a more useful form that can be subsequently analysed. The course is hands-on, using Python. 

 Learning outcomes: 

• Use industry and evidence-based tools and approaches to transform raw data into a format suitable for a data science pipeline 
• Identify scenarios where a machine learning approach may support effective data analysis 
• Generate an interpretation and visualisation of data using exploratory data analysis in Python 
• Construct and document an experimental methodology for analysis of data 
• Select appropriate models, and apply simple machine learning tools and feature selection strategy for a defined data science problem 
• Apply professional standards to allow reproducibility of analysis 

The course presents you with a management overview of the field of Information Security and Assurance. You will be exposed to the spectrum of security and risk management activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. Coverage will include inspection and protection of information assets, detection of and reaction to threats to information assets, and examination of pre and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses and an overview of the Information Security Planning and staffing functions. 

This course includes a work integrated learning experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.  

Learning outcomes: 

• Critically assess the information security state of an organisation from a holistic perspective to evaluate current practices, standards, and policies. 
• Evaluate potential security risks to an organisation to prioritise appropriate short and long-term countermeasures. 
• Critically appraise the balance between business information needs and security concerns to strengthen their alignment. 
• Produce professional communication to justify the general nature and range of security technologies available and required in a business organisation. 
• Develop information security policies and programs to address relevant issues and security concerns. 
• Communicate individual and/or team research findings on information security problems in complex business contexts. 

The main objective of this course is for students to acquire the tools and techniques necessary to perform practical security testing in various areas. Students are provided with a range of practical exercises and tasks to reinforce their skills including: monitor the Internet traffic, testing of secure applications, identification of vulnerabilities in networked and mobile/wireless applications. In addition, students will learn input validation techniques to minimise security risks, man-in-the-middle attack techniques to be able to build more secure networked applications, and practical secure software testing techniques to be able to test applications for security bugs. 

Learning outcomes: 

1. Investigate methods that are appropriate for the realisation security testing in software, web, network and systems; 
2. Investigate and model the possible vulnerabilities and threats for a given application system; 
3. Design, implement test procedures and perform post-testing evaluation; 
4. Research, analyse and evaluate security related scenarios 

An Australian Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution; or  
No formal qualification but a minimum of 5 years full time work experience in a related industry setting. 

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program. 

If you are a local student, refer to the English requirements for postgraduate coursework programs. 

If you are an international student, refer to English language requirements and equivalency information. The program requires a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 in IELTS (Adademic).

RMIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study. For more details on RMIT’s on-campus programs visit rmit.edu.au. For our on-campus Master of Cyber Security, you can find more information here. 

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT University Credit Policy. 

Applicants who have completed or partially completed a similar program at another institution (with entry criteria similar to this program) may be granted some credits or exemptions towards this program. 

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security (GC036) you will be

eligible to continue your studies in the following programs:

• Master of Cyber Security (MC159) (on campus)

•RMIT Online’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MC199) with 48 credit points (4 courses) worth of credit.