Student sitting at PC

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

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

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipInfTech

  • Course code

    1108520

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • 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, June, October

  • Duration

    1 year 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

Dive into a career where data and inputs spark ingenuity. The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology is your gateway to the fast-paced world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

Whether you are ready for a career change, want to upskill, or seek a pathway to further study, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills to thrive in a sector that is in high demand. 

Students will gain advanced, practical skills in core areas of ICT, including programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, database design and management, networking and cloud computing, and project management.

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology will provide entry and up to eight units of credit towards the Southern Cross 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 advanced knowledge and skills in information and communications technology (ICT) to solve real-world problems using appropriate tools and industry practices.

Analyse and apply integrated ICT knowledge, professional practices, and project management principles to deliver solutions aligned with organisational goals.

GA2: Creativity

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

Analyse and apply integrated ICT knowledge, professional practices, and project management principles to deliver solutions aligned with organisational goals.

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

Analyse and apply integrated ICT knowledge, professional practices, and project management principles to deliver solutions aligned with organisational goals.

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  3, Term  5
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
PerthTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$26,000 ($3,250 per unit)119127H
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$26,000 ($3,250 per unit)119127H
PerthTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$26,000 ($3,250 per unit)119127H
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$26,000 ($3,250 per unit)119127H

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 will be well-equipped to work in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in a variety of entry to mid-level roles, including as a software developer, systems analyst, cybersecurity analyst, IT project coordinator, business analyst (IT), data analyst, network administrator, or application support specialist. 

This course is also a pathway to further postgraduate study. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology will provide entry and up to eight units of credit towards the Master of Information Technology.

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

Applicants may be considered for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology if they have:
  1. a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in any discipline
  2. a tertiary education qualification at AQF level 6 or above in a related field, or
  3. equivalent professional experience as determined by the relevant Associate Dean.
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 Score6.0
Reading5.5
Writing5.5
Listening5.5
Speaking5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • 7 core units (84 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

First Year

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
COMP6011Security of Applications and Systems
COMP6018Programming Paradigms
COMP5004Professional Practices in Information Technology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term3
PerthN/A
Term3
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term3
COMP5006Computer Networking and Cloud Computing
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
PerthN/A
Term3
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term3
COMP5005Database Design and Management
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
PerthN/A
Term4
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term4
COMP6012Managing Information Technology Projects
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Melbourne - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
PerthN/A
Term4
Sydney - The Hotel SchoolN/A
Term4
Pre-requisitesCOMP5004 - Professional Practices in Information Technology


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core units

COMP5002Programming Concepts
COMP5003Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
COMP6010Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Essentials
COMP5004Professional Practices in Information Technology
COMP5005Database Design and Management
COMP6012Managing Information Technology Projects
COMP5006Computer Networking and Cloud Computing

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