#1 Victorian university for computing graduate employment
#1 Victorian university for computing median salary
#1 Victorian university for computing facilities
Why choose artificial intelligence at Deakin
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries through rapid digital disruption, with emerging technologies reshaping the way we live and work. As businesses race to harness the power of AI, demand for skilled professionals is growing globally.
Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence equips information technology professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills to design and develop advanced AI-driven solutions. In weekly workshop sessions, you will gain hands-on experience working with AI technologies and develop software that addresses industry needs.
Our world-leading AI research feeds directly into our teaching, ensuring you learn at the cutting edge of industry expectations and capabilities. As a graduate, you will have a thorough understanding of the design, development and operation of AI-driven software solutions.
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Skills employers want
Graduate ready to design and develop intelligent systems with a course designed for industry needs.
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Cutting-edge AI focus
Build advanced skills in artificial intelligence that reflect current and emerging practice.
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Practical learning
Gain confidence with the latest tools and technologies through work-integrated learning experiences that address real industry problems.
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Flexible study options
Learn online or on campus with flexible postgraduate study that fits around your work and life commitments.
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
Whether you're looking to build on your existing IT experience or prepare for further study, this course equips you with the practical knowledge to engage effectively with specialists in the area of artificial intelligence.
Business intelligence analyst
Analyse and interpret data to help organisations improve performance and make informed business decisions. You may develop reports, dashboards and data-driven insights while working with emerging AI-enabled technologies.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.6/5
Job satisfaction
Data analyst
Collect, interpret and communicate data insights that support informed decision-making. AI knowledge can help you work with emerging analytical tools and collaborate on AI-enabled projects.
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- #11
Fastest-growing job globally
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
Industries you may work in
- Technology
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Consulting
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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 Artificial Intelligence?
Build foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence and the practical skills to design, evaluate and apply intelligent systems. Learn how AI concepts, tools and applications are used to solve problems across a range of industries.
Foundations of artificial intelligence
Explore core AI concepts and methods
Develop your understanding of machine learning and intelligent systems that underpin modern AI applications.
Apply learning to industry problems
Use practical AI tools to analyse data, develop models and evaluate outcomes in applied scenarios.
Understand ethical and societal impacts
Examine responsible AI practices, including fairness, transparency and the broader implications of automated decision-making.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence, 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 two 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.
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.
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week, with units requiring on average 150 hours of study per credit point. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals, studios and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. In additional to scheduled activities, you will need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning and collaborative research training arrangements.
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.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online programs.
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 a broad knowledge of the technologies of artificial intelligence. |
| Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through artificial intelligence 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 artificial intelligence 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 artificial intelligence. |
| Apply advanced cognitive, technical, and creative skills from artificial intelligence to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S536
- 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
$4,433
- Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) 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 student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your 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
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including: