Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is a 1.7-year program designed for students who want to obtain an IT qualification. The program is open to students with little to no background in computing. The aim of this program is to provide students with a broad-based IT education through a range of core courses.

Overview

If you want to attain a qualification in computing but have little or no background in this area, the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is designed for you. It also suits those with a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline who want a broader understanding of computing, or students with a bachelor degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering who wants to specialise further.

Why Study at UNSW?

The School of Computer Science and Engineering is a leading provider of world-class education and research; specialising in education for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School also continues to produce internationally acclaimed research, working closely with industry to provide innovative solutions to the sector.

Program Structure

The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology is a 1.7-year program where youll study a variety of core and elective units delivered in a face-to-face and blended mode.

• Core Courses
  • Principles of Programming
  • Database Systems
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Networks and Applications
• Elective Courses You can then choose electives from a range of introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses giving you a wider range of electives to pursue your interests and customise your diploma to your needs. You can choose from electives like:
  • User Interface Design and Construction
  • Security Engineering and Cybersecurity
  • Web Front-End Programming
  • Digital Forensics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • Human Computer Interaction

Entry Requirements

Admissions to the standard 1.7 year program requires the following:

• A minimum AQF Level 7 undergraduate qualification per the Australian Qualifications Framework in a cognate discipline with a minimum 65% average.
• Cognate disciplines include:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Deep learning
  • Machine Learning
  • Mechatronics
  • Autonomous systems
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science and Statistics
  • Data Analytics
  • Database management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Internet of Things
  • Network Engineering
  • Remote Sensing
  • Electronic Information
  • Communication Technology
  • Network Security
  • Cyber Security
  • Information Security
  • Computer Applications
  • Technology
  • Engineering

English Language Requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

Fees and Scholarships

• Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program
• 2026 Indicative CSP first year fee: $9,500*
• 2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree: $14,500*
• 2026 Indicative first year full fee: $63,000*
• 2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $97,000*

Future Careers

Graduates from UNSWs Information Technology programs are highly employable, thanks to our strong external partnerships and extensive international alumni networks. The roles you can pursue will depend on your prior study and areas of specialisation, currently graduates of Information Technology work in the public and private sectors in a variety of roles.

• Potential careers include:
  • Computer science
  • IT
  • IS
  • Software engineer
  • Systems administration

Research Areas

The School of Computer Science and Engineering is part of the Faculty of Engineering, which is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology. We're also ranked #4 in Australia for Computer Science. All eight of UNSW's Engineering schools are ranked in the global top 50 with two schools ranked in the global top 10 for Engineering subjects.