Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline. English language requirements must also be met.
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The fields of computing and information technology change rapidly. To succeed in this fast-paced area, it is essential to keep your skills current and relevant. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Information Technology has a strong technical focus that ensures you have the up-to-date skills and competencies needed to maintain your professionalism in computing, software, web and app development.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology with UNE?
Information and communications technology have become indispensable in our modern world.
Choose this course if you have relevant undergraduate qualifications in information technology, computer science, software engineering or a related discipline, and wish to broaden your skillset. Our course allows you to extend and refresh your IT skills and knowledge in software, web and app development.
Designed with employment in mind, each unit will expand your skills and knowledge to ensure you can add maximum value in the workplace.
By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.
What makes our course different?
Our in-depth course focuses on technical skills development. The flexible program allows you to customise your studies to match your career and professional development goals.
You will have opportunities to:
- Undertake units in areas such as artificial intelligence, user experience design, software project management and web programming.
- Work with industry-leading programming languages such as Python, JavaScript and SQL.
- Collaborate with fellow students and gain hands-on development experience.
- Complete your course in as little as six months full time, or up to two years part time.
- Study on campus or online, using a variety of educational technologies including video lectures and online discussion forums, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies and other commitments.
- Take advantage of our small staff-student ratio and supportive environment, whether you study online and access campus servers remotely or join us on campus.
- Hone your written and oral communication skills to communicate technical knowledge and concepts and explain complex knowledge and technical ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Continue your studies by progressing to a graduate diploma or coursework masters.
- Expand your theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to future proof your career in today's fast-paced ICT environment.
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.
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.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
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.
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.
You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
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.
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.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
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.
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:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- 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.
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.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit COSC591 Information Technology Project.
You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
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:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
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.
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.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit COSC591 Information Technology Project.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points including with 18 credit points at 400-level or above.
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:
Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
- Database Management Systems (COSC210) – 6 credit points
- Software Development Studio 2 (COSC220) – 6 credit points
- Data Structures and Algorithms (COSC230) – 6 credit points
- Web Programming (COSC260) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC310) – 6 credit points
- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
- Parallel and Distributed Computing (COSC330) – 6 credit points
- Parallel and Distributed Computing (COSC530) – 6 credit points
- Artificial Intelligence (COSC350) – 6 credit points
- Artificial Intelligence (COSC550) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Web Programming (COSC360) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Web Programming (COSC560) – 6 credit points
- User Experience and Interaction Design (COSC370) – 6 credit points
- User Experience and Interaction Design (COSC570) – 6 credit points
- Management Information Systems (COSC572) – 6 credit points
- Information Technology Project (COSC591) – 6 credit points
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 type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $11,356* |
| International | $16,915* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $4,464* |
| 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.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
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
By upgrading your information technology skills with our course, you are securing your career in this fast-paced profession. Career options include, but are not limited to:
- software development
- systems analysis and design
- consultant
- internet and e-commerce
- IT educator
- systems management and administration.
Demand for skilled information and communications technology (ICT) professionals has never been higher and is forecast to rise. The ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2019 report forecasts an additional 100,000 ICT jobs will be created in the five years to 2024. Salaries in the sector average $130,000 a year according to Seek.com.au.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate through their own study and practice, specialised knowledge of information technology;
- demonstrate through their own practice, specialist technical competencies in the laboratory and professional workplace related to information technology; and, specialised knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their information technology;
- apply logical and creative thinking to determine information technology needs in the interactive execution, analysis and use of programs;
- be effective communicators of technology by communicating technical knowledge and concepts, and transferring complex knowledge and technical ideas to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and
- be responsible and accountable for their own learning and work by demonstrating initiative and high level independent judgement in a range of functions in information technology; operating with autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of their work or function of others while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to information technology.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an increased knowledge of computing science/information technology through the learning and teaching activities associated within each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, lecturers and tutors, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, online activities and discussion board. Students will be assessed using: program design tasks; computational assignments; theory based assignments; individual and group project reports; and written examinations.Information technology is a global industry and students will work and study in a global environment. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the global nature of computing science and information technology.
- Communication Skills
Oral and written communication via a range of media is an essential aspect of participation in a software development team. These skills will be taught, practised and assessed in most units within the course.
- Problem Solving
Students will gain problem solving skills in systems analysis, program design and project management. All units which involve programming will teach and assess problem solving skills.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to communicate results, information or arguments relevant to information technology to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. They will also be able to synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources, using a range of technologies.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Social responsibility and professional practice in software development is embedded in the course content. And units require students to reflect on social implications of information technology such as social networking, malicious software, identity theft and security measures.
- Lifelong Learning
Information technology is a very rapidly changing field of study. Students will be provided with fundamental skills which enable them to supplement their knowledge and adapt to the use of new software environments, technologies and tools. This will be taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of languages, environments and specialised systems.
- 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 and non-technical colleagues and customers. Working in a group environment is an essential component of the course and in the professional practice of software development. To develop these skills, a number of units in the course require students to work in groups and provide guidance and assessment on group work.
A five-star experience
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
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
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
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
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 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 Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 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.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I found the lecturers and tutors very approachable and supportive, which was extremely valuable during projects and assignments.
Why study with us?
Studying at UNE was an amazing experience for me not only because of education but also because of the multicultural environment, the academic staff and resources and the international services.
How to apply
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
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.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 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.
