Diploma of Information Technology

The Diploma of Information Technology at Melbourne College of Business and Technology is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in IT support, networking or systems administration, or who want a pathway into further study. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a shorter, more hands-on qualification than a bachelor degree. You study full time over one year, typically across two semesters, and the course is registered on CRICOS (course code 110928C) for international students.

What you study

The subject area is information systems, so the focus is on how organisations use technology to get work done. You'll cover areas like hardware and software support, networking basics, operating systems, databases, and the security practices that sit behind them. Assessment is usually a mix of practical tasks, projects and written work rather than exams alone. The exact units, credit points and any elective choices are set by the college, so check the official course page or the CRICOS register for the current structure.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. You need to pass the required units to graduate. Some diplomas include a work placement or industry project, and some don't, the college will confirm whether this one does. If you complete the diploma, you may be able to use your credit points towards a bachelor degree at a university, though how much credit you receive depends on the receiving institution and the units you've completed. Always confirm articulation arrangements directly with the college or university you're considering.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers who want a practical, job-focused start in IT without committing to a three-year degree. It also suits career changers who need recognised Australian training to move into help desk, support or junior network roles. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish, check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English requirements are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register; confirm all details, including unit lists and start dates, on the official page before you apply.

• ICT support technician, help desk and desktop support roles in banks, hospitals, government departments and managed service providers.
• Network support officer, assisting with LAN and WAN setup and troubleshooting for small to mid-sized organisations.
• Systems administrator (entry level), looking after servers, user accounts and backups under supervision.
• Database support assistant, helping maintain and query organisational databases.
• IT customer service roles, working in retail tech, telecommunications or software companies supporting end users.
• Pathway to further study, credit towards a bachelor degree in information technology or information systems at an Australian university.