Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is a 36-unit program offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and the Master of Information Technology, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards.

Candidates who have completed the graduate certificate are awarded credit for related topics towards the graduate diploma.

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study
  
  

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature. 

Course aims

The course has been designed to provide graduates with:

• a foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of information technology and information systems management
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
• well developed written and oral communication skills
• an ability to critically analyse, research and evaluate information and solve problems
• an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of information technology
• the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
• an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
• preparation for future professional roles as an information technologist.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in a computing related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• competently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex information systems
• apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
• communicate effectively with other computer scientists and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
• work professionally as an individual and in a team
• develop computer-based solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
• engage in the process of research and the continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of information technology.

On completion of the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology, students will be eligible for associate membership of the Australian Computer Society. 

Program of study

This award has two recommended sequences:

• Sequence 1 - For those entering with no programming experience in Java.
• Sequence 2 - For those entering with some programming experience in Java

These recommended sequences indicate sensible progressions that will satisfy prerequisites. However, students are free to select topics from either sequence.

Semester 1 entrants without a knowledge of programming in Java will need to attend the intensive COMP8702 Computer Programming 1 GE topic before the start of Semester 1.

With the permission of the Director of Studies, students may substitute the listed topics with CSEM option topics from Table A listed under Computer Science / Information Technology, Digital Media or Software - Groups C, D or S or other topics listed in the Master of Information Technology. 

Note that students with a first degree in computer science or information technology may enrol in this award and will be provided with a Program of Study tailored to their existing knowledge and skill.

Core - Sequence 1 - Year 1 topics*

 COMP8702  Computer Programming 1 GE  (4.5 units)
 COMP8741  Application Development GE  (4.5 units) OR
 COMP8762  Operating Systems GE  (4.5 units)

Core - Sequence 2 - Year 1 topics

 COMP8741  Application Development GE  (4.5 units)
 COMP8762  Operating Systems GE  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 1 topics

 COMP8701  Fundamentals of Computing GE  (4.5 units)
 COMP8731  Software Engineering 1 GE  (4.5 units)
 COMP8761  Databases and Conceptual Modelling GE  (4.5 units)
 ENGR4742  Standards, Ethics and Compliance  (4.5 units)
 ENGR8792  Software Engineering 2 GE  (4.5 units)
 STAT5702  Statistical Methods for Engineering and Science  (4.5 units)

*Students commencing in Semester 1 select COMP8762 Operating Systems GE, and Students commencing in Semester 2 select COMP8741 Application Development GE.