Key facts
Duration
0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Developed in consultation with industry, this course highlights the critical role information technologies play in everyday business operations. You will gain essential, industry-relevant IT skills – from software design and engineering to information retrieval and web development.
This course is ideal for students without a computing background, as well as those who would like to bolster their industry experience with a recognised academic qualification. You will graduate with the core IT knowledge and practical skills for employment across a range of industries or for further studies in IT.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- S578
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 035507F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
* As an alternative to this unit, students can complete the following two stackable short courses in a flexible study mode:
SMC701-OD Front-end Web Development Foundations
SMC702-OD Web Application Server-side Foundations
Students choosing Deakin's microcredentials^ (0.5cp) through our Stackable short courses as electives must take at least 2 microcredentials to equate to 1 credit point of study.
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: artificial intelligence, cyber security, information technology management, data science, information technology, computing, computer science and software engineering.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
Am I eligible to receive Recognition of prior learning?
Deakin aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations.
Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course with Deakin, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed with Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning Page which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin degree and how to apply for credit.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$17,200 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,769 - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Further study options:
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology, you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
- S776 Master of Information Technology
- S779 Master of Information Technology (Professional)
- S734 Master of Cyber Security
- S735 Master of Cyber Security (Professional)
- S777 Master of Data Science
- S770 Master of Data Science (Professional)
- S736 Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence
- S737 Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional)
- S738 Master of Information Technology Management
- S739 Master of Information Technology Management (Professional)
Career outcomes
In today’s competitive IT job market, employers value professionals who can multi-skill, multi-task and adapt across disciplines. Deakin graduates are best placed for a successful career in this industry.
As a Deakin graduate, you will be a well-rounded IT professional with the ability to meet the future needs of this ever-evolving, fast-moving industry.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop specialised knowledge of software design and engineering, database, and web design concepts and technologies to develop software systems, products and solutions that automates business processes at par with industry standards and based on specifications and user requirements. |
| Communication | Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through information technology and to motivate and effect change, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of information technology to generate, manage, process and share digital resources. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse information provided and their sources to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of information technology. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced cognitive, technical, and creative skills from information technology to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Self-management | Work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to new situations and/or further learning in the field of information technology with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
