Student sitting at PC

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, October

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time; 1 year part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Melbourne - The Hotel School, Online, Perth, Sydney - The Hotel School

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    GradCertInfTech

  • Course code

    1008550

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    0.5 years full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Melbourne - The Hotel School, Perth, Sydney - The Hotel School

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Ready to launch your career in the dynamic industry of Information and Communication Technology? The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology is your entry to this fast-paced and rapidly evolving field.

This course builds essential skills in programming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, with an option of delving into either software development or application/system security, giving you a strong technical foundation and practical experience to enter the workforce or pivot into a new career path.

Students will gain industry-relevant knowledge tailored to current and emerging technologies and hands-on learning that fosters problem-solving skills applicable to real-world scenarios. Skills in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are accredited by the globally recognised Microsoft Certifications.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology receive entry and up to four units of credit towards the Master of Information Technology.

A student holding a laptop

“The degree really refined my areas of interest. I saw how it could offer a fantastic way to pivot and be flexible, and to be confident in making those kinds of decisions.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply critical knowledge and skills in information and communications technology (ICT) to solve real-world problems using appropriate tools and industry practices.

GA2: Creativity

Apply critical knowledge and skills in information and communications technology (ICT) to solve real-world problems using appropriate tools and industry practices.

GA3: Ethical practice

Communicate and collaborate effectively through active participation, ethical decision-making, and integration of diverse perspectives into team-based work.

Reflect on personal capabilities, professional development, and emerging ICT trends, including awareness of Indigenous perspectives and the evolving role of ICT in society.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Apply critical knowledge and skills in information and communications technology (ICT) to solve real-world problems using appropriate tools and industry practices.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Reflect on personal capabilities, professional development, and emerging ICT trends, including awareness of Indigenous perspectives and the evolving role of ICT in society.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate and collaborate effectively through active participation, ethical decision-making, and integration of diverse perspectives into team-based work.

GA7: Cultural competence

Communicate and collaborate effectively through active participation, ethical decision-making, and integration of diverse perspectives into team-based work.

Reflect on personal capabilities, professional development, and emerging ICT trends, including awareness of Indigenous perspectives and the evolving role of ICT in society.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  5
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  5
PerthTerm  1, Term  5
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1$13,000 ($3,250 per unit)118520G
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1$13,000 ($3,250 per unit)118520G
PerthTerm  1$13,000 ($3,250 per unit)118520G
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1$13,000 ($3,250 per unit)118520G

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology will be well-equipped for entry-level roles in the Information and Communication Technology industry, such as junior software developer, junior cybersecurity analyst, junior AI engineer or IT consultant. 

This course is also a pathway into the Master of Information Technology, with four units of advanced standing.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

The Graduate Certificate of Information Technology is a pathway to the Master of Information Technology. Applicants who meet one of the following requirements will be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate.

  • Bachelor degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in any discipline;
  • Diploma or Advanced Diploma of 3 years or equivalent in any discipline;
  • Combination of post-secondary qualifications and minimum of 1 year work experience in a related field; or
  • Equivalent professional experience as determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Education).

Related work experience includes but is not limited to technical or professional experience in IT, computing, business, science, technology, or communications.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for applicants for entry to this course are a score equal to or above IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

CategoryScore
Overall Score6
Reading5.5
Writing5.5
Listening5.5
Speaking5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising:

  • 3 core units (36 credit points) and
  • 1 option unit (12 credit points).

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

COMP5002Programming Concepts
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term1
COMP5003Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
Term1,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term1,5
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
PerthN/A
Term1,5
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term1,5
COMP6010Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Essentials
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2
PerthN/A
Term2
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term2
Pre-requisitesCOMP5002 - Programming Concepts
Option Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMP6018Programming Paradigms
COMP6011Security of Applications and Systems


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core units

COMP5002Programming Concepts
COMP5003Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
COMP6010Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Essentials

Option Units

Select one (1) unit (12 credit points) from the following list of option units:
COMP6011Security of Applications and Systems
COMP6018Programming Paradigms

Why study Computing and IT at Southern Cross University

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Digital Enterprise Lab

Our Digital Enterprise Lab on-campus enables you to work on real-world projects

Tailor studies to your interests

Choose from a range of specialisations and majors

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Melbourne - The Hotel School

Perth

Sydney - The Hotel School

Online

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Melbourne - The Hotel School

Perth

Sydney - The Hotel School

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway