Cybersecurity

Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) develops the technical, analytical and professional skills needed to protect information and systems from cybersecurity threats.

You'll complete five courses covering system administration, network security, cybersecurity principles, ethical hacking and an applied capstone project. Through practical labs, case studies and simulated attack-and-defence scenarios, you'll learn to assess risks, implement security controls and respond to incidents while working within legal, privacy and ethical requirements.

What you'll learn

During the programme, you'll learn how to:

• Install, configure and secure systems and enterprise IT infrastructure
• Analyse network architectures to identify security risks and vulnerabilities
• Implement security measures such as access controls, network segmentation, firewalls and system hardening
• Conduct cybersecurity risk assessments using recognised frameworks
• Assess, select, implement and validate cybersecurity controls
• Analyse cybersecurity events and apply incident-response techniques
• Use security monitoring and incident management tools
• Conduct ethical hacking and penetration testing in controlled environments
• Identify vulnerabilities and professionally communicate security findings
• Consider the legal, privacy and ethical implications of cybersecurity decisions
• Apply project management, teamwork and communication skills to cybersecurity projects
• Plan and complete an applied capstone cybersecurity project

Programme structure

Duration & study commitment

This programme includes five core courses totalling 120 credits. It runs full-time over three terms and includes 32 teaching weeks. You'll undertake approximately 20 hours of scheduled, tutor-directed learning each week, supported by structured online learning and self-directed study.

2027 intake dates

You can start this programme in February, April, July or October 2027.

We confirm your exact start and finish dates when you apply.

Your course journey

1. Term 1Your foundation in systems administration, IT infrastructure and network security.
2. Term 2Specialist skills in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
3. Term 3An applied capstone cybersecurity project that brings everything together.

How you'll study

This programme uses blended delivery, combining onsite, face-to-face teaching with structured online learning and self-directed study. You'll develop practical skills through classroom and laboratory sessions, tutor demonstrations, guided exercises, project-based tasks and supervised collaborative activities. You'll also use industry-standard tools and simulators to complete practical labs, attack-and-defence scenarios, incident-response activities and tasks based on realistic organisational situations.

Assessment

Assessment is integrated with your learning and may include practical laboratory tasks, case studies, cybersecurity projects, technical documentation, risk assessments and simulated security scenarios. You may be asked to configure and secure systems, analyse networks, identify vulnerabilities, conduct controlled penetration testing, respond to simulated incidents and communicate your findings. The programme concludes with a capstone project.

Where this course can lead

Build practical, workplace-relevant skills for entry-level roles in the specialised field of cybersecurity. Possible role directions include:

• Security Analyst
• Security Tester
• Security Administrator
• Incident Analyst
• Information Assurance Analyst
• Security Assessor or Auditor
• Security Engineer
• Security Developer
• Other cybersecurity-related support roles

Further study

After completing this qualification, you may progress to:

• Higher-level IT study
• Relevant industry certifications

Entry requirements