The Graduate Certificate provides students with a general understanding of key concepts and issues realting to security operations. Students undertaking this short and concentrated program of study will develop valuable skills of analysis and critique. The Certificate may also be used as an entry point into the Institute's Graduate Diploma in Security (Operations).

Objectives
Depending on the choice of subjects, students who complete the Graduate Certificate will gain a general understanding of:

• key concepts, issues, approaches and debates in the field of private security operations;
• the functions of relevant institutions including stakeholders in both public and private sectors; and
• methods and strategies to assess the objectives and effectiveness of relevant policies, strategies and programs.

Credit Points and EFTSL Value
50 credit points must be successfully undertaken to complete the Graduate Certificate. Each semester long subject (or unit of study) is worth 12.5 credit points, except the tertiary skills program which has no credit point or EFTSL value, but is a hurdle subject.
Each unit of study has an EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time Study Load) of 0.125. The EFTSL value of the Graduate Certificate is 0.5.

Course Structure

4 subjects (1 semester full-time or up to 4 semesters part-time)
2 core (compulsory) subjects + the Tertiary Skills Program
2 elective subjects
A maximum of one level one and one level two electives.

Core Subject

GCSC4102 - Current Issues in Security (semester 1)
GSOE4431 - Security Operations (semester 1)

Electives

Semester 1
GISC1130 - Introduction to Security (level 1)
GEMC2115 - Emergency Management (level 2)
GDRE4413 - Disaster Recovery (level 3)
GCSC4410 - Computer Security (level 3)

Semester 2
GSTS1232 - Security Technology (level 1)
GISC2219 - Information Security (level 2)
GFMC3218 - Facility Management (level 3)


Tertiary Skills
All students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate must undertake a short course in Tertiary Skills to prepare them for writing and presenting essays, note taking and preparing for and sitting examinations at tertiary level. This subject will be conducted by distance learning and it is a prerequisite for all other subjects in the course.


Subject Descriptions

Computer Security
This subject introduces students to principles for computer security and the protection of data. Specific security requirements such as computer facility, data control and conversion centres, storage, power, back-up and disposal procedures are examined.

Current Issues in Security
This introductory subject provides students with specific knowledge regarding important contemporary issues in security, and includes examination of critical perspectives on private and public security philosophies and strategies and a critical review of current developments within Victoria, nationally and abroad. Students will conduct an investigation into a key area of contemporary security and present a case study critique.

Disaster Recovery
This subject examines practices involved in the planning and organising for effective disaster management and business plan resumption. The student will consider budgeting, staffing, equipment, technology, work processes and other general constraints involving persons operating within the field. Students will be required to develop a disaster recovery strategy for a medium to major business entity.

Emergency Management
This subject addresses the concepts of planning and organising for effective emergency management. Students will examine contemporary practices both locally and abroad focusing on "cutting edge" practices including, where appropriate, Australian and international standards. This subject requires practical application for a selected workplace including the development of policy and procedures.

Facility Management
This subject introduces students to contemporary issues related to facilities management practice including a broad understanding of the various roles and functions. Students will be guided through considerations that apply when developing a facility management strategy including development of autonomous business units, outsourcing rather than in-house operations, and understanding core and non-core considerations for facility management practice.

Information Security
This subject introduces the student to processes for initiating, implementing and maintaining information systems and security in consideration of the various Australian and international standards that apply. A specific focus will be made to asset classification and control, integrated information physical and environmental security strategies, limitations that apply to computer and network management, and general business compliance requirements.

Introduction to Security
This subject introduces students to the origins and conventions of the security industry as it exists within Australia. The subject will examine the scope of security operations within the public and private sectors whilst outlining key components and their interactions with other enterprises. A number of legal issues and their relevance to security will also be addressed.

Security Operations
This subject introduces the student to operational concepts of planning and organising for effective security operations. To this extent the student will be taught the methods for designing and implementing security plans, developing policies and procedures, organising strategies for employee training and development, and a number of other human resource requirements.

Security Technology
This subject introduces students to managerial level security technology as an ever increasingly important part of the process of business performance. The subject also considers the relevant strengths and weaknesses of technology as a package for public safety, security and social control. Students will also critically analyse a range of implications relative to technological innovation within the workplace.