Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.

Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence, or 4 years full-time professional experience as well as Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
  • International
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student studies on computer and laptop in classroom

Information technology professionals are responsible for designing the software that permeates every area of modern living, from the smallest personal device to automating entire industries, as well as creating systems that handle and analyse incredible amounts of data.

If you are new to the IT field, our Diploma in Information Technology will give you a solid grounding in the essential principles of computer science, as well as the flexibility to add to your mathematical or data science skills, depending on your background and career aspirations. If you are more experienced in the field, it will give you the opportunity to extend your skills in areas that are relevant to your current and future career plans.

Information technology and computing increasingly defines how we operate in a rapidly changing world, and demand for IT professionals is at an all-time high and predicted to increase. Our Diploma in IT will help you secure your future and broaden your career options.

Why study the Diploma in Information Technology with UNE?

Our Diploma in Information Technology is a flexible course designed to meet the needs of people seeking to get a solid foundation in computing, as well as those already working in IT roles, who are looking to grow their computer science, data science or mathematical skills. If you have at least four years full-time relevant work experience in IT or related areas you may qualify for advanced standing, meaning you will receive recognition for your on-the-job skills and experience, allowing you to complete your diploma more quickly.

If you are looking to start with the fundamentals, areas of study include:

  • Computational Thinking
  • From Logic to Data Processing
  • Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
  • Object Oriented Programming.

If you are a more experienced practitioner, you can choose from a range of units depending on your areas of interest and career aspirations, including:

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Database Management Systems
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Operating Systems
  • Web Programming
  • Communication for Business
  • Introduction to Quantitative Skills
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra.

What makes our course different?

Our graduates are perfectly placed to succeed in a broad range of careers through their increased understanding of information technology, computer science, data science, programming and software design. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Build a solid foundation in computational thinking, communication, problem solving, resilience, flexibility and perseverance — skills in high demand by a wide range of employers.
  • Choose to study when it suits you. The course is available online, allowing you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world. Or join us on campus and take advantage of our small staff-student ratio and supportive environment.
  • Complete the course in one year full time or up to four years part time.
  • Expand your theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to future proof your career in today’s fast-paced ICT environment.

When you choose to study with UNE, you are in very good hands. Year after year, students award us 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

This course is not currently available for this mode of study.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: You have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

If you are admitted on this basis and you will be studying at UNE’s Sydney campus, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You must meet ALL of the following entry requirements:

  • You meet the admission requirements for Rule A
  • AND you have at minimum of four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience in information communications technology and computer science.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
  • If you are applying for admission based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR

Not Applicable

If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
  • Bachelor degrees
  • Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

  • Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
  • Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
  • Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Rule B: Professional Experience:

  • You meet the admission requirements for Rule A
  • AND you have a minimum of four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience in information communications technology and computer science.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements

Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course

TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS

Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.

48 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a) UNE and OUA students

30 credit points

Complete the following units:

6 credit points

And complete 6 credit points from the following units:

6 credit points

And complete 6 credit points from the following units:

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units:

Note: You may choose only ONE of the following units: COSC101 or COSC102.

48 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b) UNE and OUA students

24 credit points

24 credit points Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing granted for candidates admitted under Rule (b) who have at least four years full time equivalent demonstrated relevant professional experience.

24 credit points

Complete 12 to 18 credit points from the following units:

Note: You may choose only ONE of the following units: COSC101 or COSC102.

Complete 6 to 12 credit points from the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$33,829*
Commonwealth Supported Place
$8,423*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

When you complete the Diploma in Information Technology you will have the skillset you need to step into a variety of career pathways across a range of industries. They include:

  • software design and development
  • data engineering
  • web and mobile development
  • scientific technology
  • banking and corporate sectors.
Other career information

The number of people working as information and communication (ICT) support technicians is expected to grow very strongly into the future, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website 83% of workers in these roles are employed full time, much higher than the average of 66%.

Course outcomes

This course is designed for students seeking an introduction to study in information technology or looking to grow their computer science, data science, or mathematical skills. It aims to give students new to the field a solid grounding in fundamental principles of computer science as well as the flexibility to fill in their mathematical or data science skills depending on their background and intended destination. It also aims to give more experienced students a compact means to access introductory and intermediate units in information technology, computer science, and data science, in order to extend their skills in areas that are relevant to their career.
  1. apply knowledge and problem-solving skills to design and develop computer programs;
  2. analyse and debug computer programs to describe their purpose and identify logic and syntactical errors;
  3. understand principles of abstraction in the design of programs and computer systems;
  4. communicate and collaborate effectively with others;
  5. understand how ethical considerations apply to software development, with consideration for impacts on others and society; and
  6. demonstrate a capacity for independent learning and a developing level of technical knowledge in information technology and its applications.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will have a coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques, and skills that are fundamental to information technology. They will have a global perspective on the impact of computing on daily life.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to communicate ideas and information clearly and coherently.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to identify and formulate problems, and design, create, and analyse solutions.

Information Literacy

Graduates demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information and use information in critical and creative thinking.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates demonstrate understanding of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession including an appreciation of their own ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, stakeholders, and the wider community.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates demonstrate the creative and analytical skills to learn and adapt to new techniques, concepts, technologies, and situations as their field continues to evolve and develop. They are able to generate new technology and solutions, and to analyse and appraise developments made by others. They take responsibility and accountability for their learning and professional practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge individually and as part of collaborative teams. They are able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate with technical colleagues.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

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Why study with us?

Professional photo of Master of Information Technology, B Computer Science graduate Cathy Song

I found the lecturers and tutors very approachable and supportive, which was extremely valuable during projects and assignments.

Cathy Song, graduate, Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Information Technology

Why study with us?

UNE graduate poses on campus in springtime

UNE has a great academic environment, access to unlimited learning resources, exposure to leading academic staff in a university of international reputation.

Jesta Masuku, UNE graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.