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Study a Bachelor of Computing Systems (BCS) at Unitec

New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity

Do you want an exciting career in the fast-paced, ever-changing cybersecurity industry? Develop your security mindset and identify, reduce and respond to cybersecurity threats and risks. Gain hands-on, practical learning in our state-of-the-art, modern and well-equipped computing facility, and get into entry-level roles in the specialised field of cybersecurity.

Level
6
Credits
120 (1.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for 1 year or part-time options available

Programme overview

New Zealand needs to be able to rely on a strong cybersecurity workforce that’s capable of preventing, adapting to, and responding to cybersecurity threats. This programme is designed to equip you with the core cybersecurity and technical skills and knowledge you need to protect and manage information and systems security. Learn how to spot potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses of existing and emerging technologies.

Perform cybersecurity risk assessments, communicate results and findings to support risk management processes, and apply relevant security incident-handling techniques to solve complex security problems. You’ll also develop an understanding of how to operate within the appropriate professional standards and best practice, both independently and as part of a team, and become highly skilled, innovative, and enterprising NZ workforce.

Highlights

  • Enrol in a programme that is highly practical with students working on work-based projects supplied by our industry partners, including Datacom, Spark.
  • Emphasis on practical assessments and case study scenarios.
  • Industry based project will enable you to apply your cybersecurity knowledge and skills and provide solutions to a particular cybersecurity problem.
  • Industry experienced lecturers that will give you context to real-world situations.
  • Provides a direct pathway into Unitec’s Graduate Diploma in Computing programme.

You'll learn the following skills;

  • An understanding of organisational contexts from a security perspective using information management concepts and terminology, data inputs, organisational strategy and processes, outputs, systems, project management tools and techniques.
  • Become competent in identifying issues that could affect an organisation’s performance and reputation.
  • Develop an understanding of how to assess, select, plan, implement and validate cybersecurity approaches to support business and operational objectives.
  • Learn how to recognise what information is needed for security incident classification.
  • Develop skills around critical thinking, business logic, organisational processes, innovation and enterprise.
  • Learn how to apply communication, information design, teamwork, personal and interpersonal skills to a range of different organisational situations.
  • Understand legal and organisational regulatory requirements, apply professional and ethical practices, and advise decision-makers on cybersecurity implications and related organisational obligations.

Where to from here

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Computing with 45 credits cross-credited, requiring only 75 credits (5 courses) to complete, or you can move into entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme. 


Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed the following:

  • NCEA entry requirements with a minimum of 120 credits at NCEA Level 5 qualification, which may include one of the following:
    • New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)
    • New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5) 
    • New Zealand Diploma in Web Design and Development (Level 5); or
    • New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) [Ref: 2604]; or
    • First-year of an IT degree; or 
  • Equivalent skills or knowledge; and
  • Consent to Unitec undertaking a Police clearance check, or
  • Criminal Record Check, and advise Unitec of any current charges or pending court matters; and
  • Provide a summary of your work history over the past 5 years, including any professional organisations, licensing bodies, or registration authorities you belong to or are certified by if they are relevant to the internship or placement you’re applying for; and 
  •  Two referees who may be contacted by Unitec or a proposed internship/industry placement provider

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?


International students

Academic requirements 

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement,

And English entry requirements;

​If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

If you do not meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?


Programme Regulations

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

Courses Credits Aim
Information System Security (HTCS6701) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course analyses the fundamental concepts in information system security and the impact of cyber law and regulations on the organisation’s operations.
Cryptography (HTCS6702) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces the concepts of cryptography and analyses the mechanisms to manage access to sensitive data in an organisation.
Network Security (HTCS6703) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course analyses different attacks that may target an organisation’s network and the security mechanisms to protect the network against these attacks.
Cybersecurity Management (HTCS6704) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course analyses the requirements of cybersecurity management within an organisation and applies cybersecurity frameworks to manage the security risks.
Ethical Hacking and Testing (HTCS6705) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course analyses and applies different methods to perform hacking ethically and implement security mechanisms to protect organisation’s information system.
Cybersecurity Data Analysis (HTCS6706) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course analyses and applies cybersecurity incidents handling process and techniques in an information system to manage the cybersecurity breaches.
Cybersecurity Project (HTCS6707) 30.0 credits (0.25 EFTS) This course will enable student to research, analyse, select and apply a range of tools and techniques to develop a solution to a cybersecurity problem. Wherever, possible students should implement a project on behalf of a client.
Cybersecurity Project (Sem A) (HTCS6707-SA) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course will enable student to research, analyse, select and apply a range of tools and techniques to develop a solution to a cybersecurity problem. Wherever, possible students should implement a project on behalf of a client.
Cybersecurity Project (Sem B) (HTCS6707-SB) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course will enable student to research, analyse, select and apply a range of tools and techniques to develop a solution to a cybersecurity problem. Wherever, possible students should implement a project on behalf of a client.