Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology

The Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology at Western Sydney University is a one-year qualification for people who want a grounding in IT without committing to a full master's degree. It is a graduate diploma, which sits at AQF Level 8, one step below a master's and above a bachelor's. You come in with a degree in something else, or with industry experience, and you leave with the technical and professional knowledge to work in ICT roles.

What you study

The course is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to complete the required credit points to graduate. The subjects cover the core areas of information and communications technology: programming, database design and management, networking, systems analysis, cybersecurity fundamentals and project management. You will also look at how IT is used in organisations, governance, ethics and the way technology projects are run. Some units have a practical component where you work in teams on real or simulated problems. The exact list of units and their credit points is on the university's handbook page for this course.

How it is structured

Western Sydney University runs its academic year in semesters. The graduate diploma is typically one year of full-time study, which means two semesters. You can also study part-time, which stretches it out. There is no separate honours year for a graduate diploma, that is a different qualification. If you want to go further, the graduate diploma can be a pathway into a master's degree, and you may get credit for the units you have already passed. Check the articulation rules with the university before you enrol if that is your plan.

Skills you gain

You learn to write code, design and query databases, set up and troubleshoot networks, and manage IT projects. You also pick up the softer skills that employers ask for: explaining technical ideas to non-technical people, working in a team, and understanding how IT fits into an organisation's goals. The course is practical, so you spend time in labs and on assignments that mimic what you would do on the job.

Who it suits

This course suits two groups. First, people with a bachelor's degree in a non-IT field who want to switch into technology. Second, IT professionals who have hands-on experience but no formal qualification and want a credential that is recognised in Australia. It is also a good option if you are not ready for a two-year master's but want more than a short course. The graduate diploma is a qualification in its own right, and it can lead to the master's if you decide to continue.

Practical matters

The course is registered on CRICOS (code 110875M) for international students. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, check there for the current amount. International students need to meet English language requirements. The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and its own English programs. The common standard for coursework postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, but confirm the exact score for this course on the official page. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa.

If you are in Australia on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Check the Home Affairs website for the current rules. Western Sydney University has strong links with industry in the region, and the course is taught by staff with experience in the field. Always confirm the latest details, unit lists, fees, English requirements and intake dates, on the university's official course page.

• ICT support officer, help desk and technical support roles in government, banks, hospitals and private companies.
• Network administrator, managing and maintaining computer networks for organisations of all sizes.
• Database administrator, designing, implementing and looking after database systems.
• Web developer, building and maintaining websites and web applications.
• Systems analyst, working out what an organisation needs from its IT systems and designing solutions.
• IT project coordinator, helping to plan and run technology projects.
• Cybersecurity analyst, monitoring systems for security threats and responding to incidents.
• Software tester, checking that software works as it should before it goes live.

These roles are found across the Australian economy: federal and state government departments, the major banks, telecommunications companies, healthcare providers, universities, and the large number of small and medium IT firms in Western Sydney and around the country. The graduate diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a master's degree in ICT or a related field.