POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security*

*This new certificate is pending approval from Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand and Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission. Some details may change.

Advance your career and become a cyber security expert through flexible online study. Gain the specialised knowledge you need to effectively test and mitigate cyber threats. Be ready to meet evolving challenges in this dynamic and rapidly growing field with our online cyber security courses.

 

ENTRY TIMES
February 2025
July 2025
2026

DURATION
1 year part-time
6 months full-time*

*Duration is approximate and subject to course availability

PRICE
Coming soon

QUALIFICATION
PGCertCySec*
60 points

*Subject to CUAP and TEC approval.

Overview


Looking to step up your IT career? Learn the core skills you need to work in the growing field of cyber security, upskilling through our flexible online cyber security courses.

Master computer & network security, ethical hacking and information security management, unlocking new career opportunities. Gain the knowledge you need to pursue roles such as Security Specialist, Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst, Penetration Tester and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Analyst. 

Join the digital defence in cyber security, learning how to identify, test and mitigate threats. Explore global trends and technological developments, growing the skills you need to secure an exciting career in this growing field. 

Requirements


To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, you must have completed one of the following: 

  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in the field of computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or a similar field with a GPA of at least 4 in your 300-level papers (or equivalent).
  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any subject with:
    • A GPA of at least 5 in your 300-level papers (or equivalent); and
    • At least five years of practical, professional, or academic experience in a relevant field (such as computer science or software engineering). 
  • An equivalent degree, or degree plus experience as outlined above, from an international institute that is approved under Academic Equivalent Standing.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

Your eligibility will be considered upon enrolment, with successful applicants approved as students by the Amo Matua, Pūhanga | Executive Dean of Engineering or delegate.

Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our engineering academic team to make sure that your academic and/or professional background meets the entry criteria. Unfortunately our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here. 

Structure


The Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security can be studied part-time over 1 year or full-time over 6 months, subject to course availability. It must be completed within 2 years. 

Time commitment   
Unless otherwise stated, Tuihono UC | UC Online learners study across terms, rather than semesters. We have four terms per year (starting January, April, July and October) which consist of nine-weeks of study (including a one-week study break), followed by a period of marking and feedback.

Part-time learners complete one 15-point cyber security course every term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Full-time learners complete two 15-point cyber security courses every term, requiring approximately 37.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assessments. Our Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security is flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. 

Upcoming term dates 
Our current learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our period of marking and feedback). 

  • 3 February - 6 April 2025
    • Study break: 3-9 March 2025
  • 28 April - 29 June 2025
    • Study break: 26 May - 1 June 2025
  • 14 July - 14 September 2025
    • Study break: 11-17 August 2025
  • 29 September - 30 November 2025
    • Study break: 27 October - 2 November 2025

Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.

 

Begin

   
graduate-with-a-postgraduate-certificate-in-cyber-security

Get started with our foundational course exploring the cyber security fundamentals you need to know. This is the first step towards your Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security.

Develop

   

Grow your learning through three more courses that will develop your skills in cyber security across computer networks and security, testing methodology and techniques, and IS security and risk management. 

Finish

   

Complete your studies and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security!

What you'll study


You'll study four NZQF level 8 postgraduate cyber security courses for the Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security.

Sign up to receive updates on confirmed course descriptions and learning outcomes. 

 

Stay updated


If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question, please sign up for updates below. 

Cap & minimum enrolment threshold
A minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.

Future enrolments

Join our mailing list

Need more information?

Contact us to learn more


FAQ

When will you have more information to share?

If you register for updates ,we'll be in touch when we have news to share about course details, entry times and enrolment. You can also ask any questions using this registration form, or contact us directly at info@uconline.ac.nz

 

What career opportunities does the Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security offer?

There are a lot of opportunities in the cyber security field, including certified information systems security professional positions such as SOC (Security operations Centre) analyst and GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) analyst. 

Cyber security is also acknowledged as a skills shortage area by Immigration New Zealand, listed under ICT Security Specialist. 

 

Do you have any enrolment support?

Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact our enrolment support team for course information, technical help and enrolment support.

 

What kind of support is available to learners enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security?

Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.

Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team

 

How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security cost?

Tuition fees will be confirmed soon - sign up to stay updated.

How can I finance my online Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security?

There are a range of options you can use to finance your Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security,  which you can learn more about here.

How do I apply?

Applications for this cyber security qualification are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website – please sign up for updates to stay in the loop about when applications open. 

 

Can the Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security lead to further study?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Security is a standalone professionally relevant qualification but is also a good pathway into further postgraduate study.

Options include the on-campus Master of Science, Master of Artificial Intelligence, Professional Master of Computer Science, or Master of Business Information Systems.

We are also developing our online offerings - if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list