Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent. English language requirements must also be met.
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The information technology sector offers strong employment prospects to people with appropriate skills and qualifications. To work in this dynamic and complex industry, you must constantly refresh your knowledge to keep pace with change. Information and computing technology affects all aspects of modern life and there is a worldwide shortage of ICT professionals. Its applications now include, not only commerce and science, but also health, education, engineering, transport, government, entertainment, sport, and social networking.
UNE's Graduate Diploma in Information Technology has a strong technical focus that will open doors to advance your career in this rapidly evolving industry — whether you are new to the sector or wish to refresh your skills to get ahead.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology with UNE?
Demand for professionals with computing and information technology skills and knowledge is increasing rapidly. The ACS Australia's Digital Pulse 2019 report forecasts an additional 100,00 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.
Our Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is designed for people who do not have a computing science background. You can also enrol in this course if you have a background in computing and wish to update your skills.
You will develop and extend your IT skills and knowledge in software, web and app development to ensure you can add maximum value in the workplace.
We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.
What makes our course different?
In this course you will develop your programming skills with our hands-on core units and tailor your studies to meet your career and professional development goals.
You will have opportunities to:
- Select listed units from a range of options including, artificial intelligence, user experience design, computer networks and information security, and web programming.
- Work with industry-leading programming languages such as Python, JavaScript and SQL.
- Gain problem solving skills in systems analysis, program design and project management.
- Collaborate with fellow students and gain hands-on development experience.
- Study part time either online or on campus, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your other commitments.
- Interact with teachers and other students using a variety of educational technologies including video lectures and online discussion forums and access campus servers through remote desktop facilities.
- Take advantage of our small staff-student ratio and supportive environment.
- Hone your written and oral communication skills to interpret and explain results, information and arguments relevant to information technology to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes.
- Develop and expand your theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to future proof your career in today's fast-paced ICT environment.
- Continue your studies by enrolling in the Master of Information Technology.
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 have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any 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).
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 any 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).
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 48 credit points including at least 24 credit points at 400-level or above.
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment (COSC110) – 6 credit points
- Object Oriented Programming (COSC120) – 6 credit points
- Software Development Studio 2 (COSC220) – 6 credit points
- Web Programming (COSC260) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Software Project Management (COSC510) – 6 credit points
- Parallel and Distributed Computing (COSC530) – 6 credit points
- Computer Networks and Network Security (COSC540) – 6 credit points
- Artificial Intelligence (COSC550) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Web Programming (COSC560) – 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 | $22,712* |
| International | $33,829* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $8,928* |
| 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?
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.
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.
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
You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to advance your career in the fast-paced information technology sector. Careers you could consider include, but are not limited to:
- software development
- systems analysis and design
- consultant
- internet and e-commerce
- IT educator
- systems management and administration.
The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology has been granted Associate Level accreditation by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate through their own study and practice, advanced knowledge of information technology;
- demonstrate through their own practice, specialist technical competencies in the laboratory and professional workplace related to information technology; and, advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their information technology;
- conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to information technology;
- 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 scientific work by demonstrating initiative and high level independent judgement in a range of functions in information technology; operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to information technology.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an advanced 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. Graduates will work and study in a global environment. They will have an in-depth understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the nature of computing science and information technology in a global environment.
- 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
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. Professional practice in software development is embedded in the course content. 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 also enjoyed small class sizes which allowed me to know my lecturers on a first name basis and work alongside them. It was always easy to get in contact with course staff if I needed help.
Why study with us?
UNE has a great academic environment, access to unlimited learning resources, exposure to leading academic staff in a university of international reputation.
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 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 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.
