Deakin launches new emerging technologies microcredentials

ICT professionals aspiring to work in the fields of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies will have the opportunity to upskill via new mircrocredentials available at Deakin University from mid-2025.

Deakin is offering 60 subsidised spots for domestic learners in their emerging technologies short course as part of the Australian Government's Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education.

The subsidised places allow students to complete a bundle of four microcredential courses for $800 – a significant discount on the usual $4,400 cost.

Courses included in the pilot are:

• Blockchain Technologies
• Emerging Cyber Threats and AI
• Extended Reality
• Quantum Computing Fundamentals and Applications
• Green computing (available from October)
• Artificial Intelligence Applications (available from October)

Dr Nayyar Zaidi, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Deakin’s School of Information Technology, said new technologies would be at the forefront of transformation in vital sectors such as health, education and sustainability over the next five years.

Gaining skills in these areas would be ‘extremely advantageous’ for those looking to upskill and reskill to tap into emerging job markets, he said.

The final date to register for a subsidised place is 12 November 2025, subject to availability.

Learners must enrol in four out of six short courses, each delivered through Deakin’s flexible, on-demand stackable short course format.

Each course includes 50-75 hours of learning and assessment and can be completed in as little as six weeks or up to six months.

Learners can begin with the four available courses in June and choose from the remaining course offering when places are made available from October.

Deakin Manager of Lifelong Learning Hannah Brown said those who complete four pilot microcredentials could earn two academic credit points towards future study at Deakin.

‘We hope to see lifelong learners gain the skills needed now to excel in their learning and spark their interest in further postgraduate study with Deakin in the future, having banked credit with Deakin,’ Ms Brown said.

‘Deakin provides a range of opportunities for lifelong learners to study flexibly with a university and keep reskilling and upskilling throughout their unique career journey.’

In addition to the four-course bundle, each course is also available for individual enrolment at $1,100 and will remain available after the subsidised places are exhausted.

Deakin also offers bespoke training solutions for professional development, tailored for organisations or individuals interested in one area of emerging technology.