#1 Melbourne university for median graduate salary
#1 Melbourne university for teaching quality
#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
Why choose information technology at Deakin
Developed in consultation with industry, this course highlights the critical role information technologies play in everyday business operations. You will gain essential, industry-relevant information technology (IT) skills – from software design and engineering to information retrieval and web development at the #1 Victorian university for computing & information systems facilities and resources.
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. Join the fastest-growing employment field worldwide.
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Work-integrated learning
Apply your IT skills in real or simulated industry settings, building practical experience that strengthens your employability from day one.
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Flexible entry into tech careers
Build foundational IT knowledge that supports a transition into roles across software, data and digital systems.
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Industry-relevant learning
Study contemporary technologies and practices shaped by industry needs, ensuring your skills stay current and applicable.
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Pathway to further study
Use this course as a stepping stone into a masters degree, expanding your expertise and career opportunities in IT.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build the fundamental IT knowledge and practical skills to pursue opportunities in the fast-moving technology sector, applying your skills across a wide range of industries.
Web developer
Create and maintain websites and web applications that deliver engaging digital experiences. You may develop user-friendly interfaces, implement functionality and support organisations' online services.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.9%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
IT consultant
Advise organisations on technology solutions that improve business performance and support strategic goals. You may assess IT needs, recommend system improvements and guide the implementation of new technologies.
- $90k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Industries you may work in
- Technology
- Banking and finance
- Healthcare
- Government
- Education
- Telecommunications
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology?
The Graduate Certificate of Information Technology is completed in 6 months full-time or part-time equivalent. You will build foundational IT knowledge and practical skills to support entry into the tech sector or further study.
Foundations in information technology
Build core IT knowledge and skills
Learn fundamental concepts in computing, including systems, data and software, to understand how technology solutions are designed and delivered.
Explore key technology areas
Gain exposure to areas such as programming, databases or networks to discover where your interests lie.
Develop practical problem-solving skills
Apply your learning to real scenarios, strengthening your ability to analyse problems and design effective digital solutions.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete four core units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which are compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of information technology to generate, manage, process and share digital resources. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology
- Year
2027 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$22,900
AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
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)