Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education)
For guaranteed entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Information Technology and higher education, complete our Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education) an array of IT skills, with a focus on the fundamentals of software development, problem solving, networking and security. You’ll also benefit from smaller class sizes in this Diploma and more one on one time with teachers.
Course essentials
English requirements
Overall Academic IELTS score of 5.5, with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Duration
Start dates
26 July 2027
22 November 2027
Locations
Course overview
The Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education) is a highly innovative course with a real edge for those wanting to continue to study and work in Information Technology.
The Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education) sees students' progress through two stages. Throughout both stages, students enjoy and benefit from small class sizes and additional English language support.
During stage one, students study the foundation units of information technology and become familiar with the terminology and current technologies available to use within industry, whilst learning about the digital revolution and security on the web. Students will be exposed to problem solving within the IT field.
In stage two, students tackle software development, cloud and enterprise computing, and analyse big data, giving students a solid grasp on key skills that continue to be in high demand from employers.
At the conclusion of stage two, graduates may continue to study at Federation University, jumping straight into the second year of a Bachelor of Information Technology, eventually completing the undergraduate with both the Bachelor and Diploma (Higher Education) degrees.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Information Technology
Course co-ordinator
Wendy Burke
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it’s calculated
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points). For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Summer 2027
22 November 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Understanding the Digital Revolution15 credit pointsGPSIT1100
- IT Problem Solving15 credit pointsGPSIT1101
- Big Data Analytics15 credit pointsGPSIT1103
- Cloud and Enterprise Computing15 credit pointsGPSIT1104
- Networking and Security15 credit pointsGPSIT1102
- Foundations of Programming15 credit pointsGPSIT1400
- Professional Identity (Information Technology)15 credit pointsCOOPI1002
- Applied Mathematics 215 credit pointsGPMAT2100
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
Academic requirement: The completion of a Year 11 or equivalent. Provision for entry may exist through other means including mature age, other special provisions, or recognition of prior learning.
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS score of 5.5, with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
ATAR
45
Applicable to onshore international students applying for undergraduate/bachelor degree programs only.
If you’re an international student currently studying VCE in Australia, apply through VTAC. If not, find out how to apply directly to Federation University.
If you’re applying for a higher degree by research, make sure you follow these instructions.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- GC1
- CRICOS code
- 109402K
Bridging programs
The Foundation Studies program (GFO) provides an alternative entry into tertiary study, with a focus on building the more generic academic skills required for success at university. On successful completion of the Foundation Studies Program, students will achieve eligibility to enter the Diploma of Information Technology.
As an indication, credit agreements negotiated between issuing organisations for credit towards higher level AQF qualifications in the same or a related discipline, having taken into account 2.1.9, should use the following as the basis of negotiations:
• 50% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree
• 37.5% credit for an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree linked to a 4 year Bachelor Degree
• 33% credit for a Diploma linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree
• 25% credit for a Diploma linked to a 4 year Bachelor Degree.
Provision for entry may exist through other pathways including mature age, other special provisions, or recognition of prior learning.
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Gour Karmakar and I am the Associate Professor in Information Technology and Program Coordinator of Bachelor of IT Gippsland and Networking and Security stream at Federation University. My favourite part of this program is that it comprises contemporary and in-demand courses and streams such as Business Information Systems, Big Data, Analytics, Networking and Security and Software Development. They enable students to get highly paid jobs such as data scientist, cyber security and networking specialist, software engineer and business analyst. The program not only focuses the development of theoretical knowledge but also underpins on hands-on experience and contemporary tools. Using contemporary tools they equip students with sufficient knowledge and technical foundational skill to apply in different business context. What makes our program different from other universities is that we are collaborating with industry to embed co-op education, that is co-design, co-delivery and co-assessment of the courses. Besides, authentic assessment is the bedrock of this program. The coordination of co-operation is also mapping the courses to relevant vendor certification which help students become job ready and secure great job. Fun fact, that I occasionally write poetry and like walking in the morning. So please study this course and join Federation University.