Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Ara Institute of Canterbury
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New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Diploma

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Christchurch - City Campus

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Summary

Cybersecurity is practical, analytical work focused on protecting information, systems and services from digital threats. You’ll explore how organisations identify risks, secure networks, manage sensitive data and respond when incidents occur.

The learning combines technical security knowledge with governance, legal, privacy and ethical considerations, so you can understand both the tools and responsibilities involved.

You’ll also apply your learning through case studies, practical assessments and a substantial cybersecurity project, bringing together technical, project and communication skills for workplace-focused security challenges.

Key features
  • Cyber defence skills: Build practical knowledge to identify risks and strengthen organisational security controls.
  • Ethical hacking practice: Use penetration testing methods to find vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
  • Risk and incident focus: Learn to assess cyber risks and respond to security events effectively.
  • Applied security project: Bring your skills together in a substantial cybersecurity problem-solving project.
What you'll learn
  • Information systems security
  • Risk and threat analysis
  • Access control management
  • Cloud security principles
  • Cryptography and encryption
  • Data integrity and authentication
  • Network attacks and security mechanisms
  • Cybersecurity frameworks and governance
  • Ethical hacking and penetration testing
  • Vulnerability assessments
  • Incident detection and response
  • Cybersecurity project management

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)

  • OR one of the following:
  • New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)
  • New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
  • You have completed the first year of an IT degree or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
Additional Requirements

Consent to Disclosure of Information:

Provide Ara with a detailed criminal record check sourced through the Ministry of Justice and advise Ara of any current charges or pending court matters.

Provide a chronological summary of your work history, if any, for the preceding 5 years and

  • the name of any professional organisations and/or licensing authorities and/or registration authorities that you are a member of or been licensed by and that may be relevant to any proposed internship/industry provider.

Provide the names of 2 referees who may be contacted by Ara or a proposed internship/industry provider.

Consent to the above information being shared with any proposed intership/industry placement host for the purposes of securitng a placement.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

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