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 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. 

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

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

Start studying in November

Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.

Apply now

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:

Most units are equal to one credit point.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

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. 

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Object-Oriented Development
Database Fundamentals
Software Requirements Analysis and Modelling
Web Technologies and Development

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.

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

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

$22,900 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time 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.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Scholarship options

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.

Find a scholarship that can support you

Deakin alumni discount

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.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

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.

APPLY THROUGH STUDYLINK CONNECT

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:

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.

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.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

*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.

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