Diploma of Information Technology

Program Overview

Diploma of Information Technology

Key Information

Duration

8 to 12 months

Intake Dates

February, June, October

Campus Location

Melbourne, Sydney

2025 Domestic Fees

A$26,336 (FEE-Help available)

2025 International Fees

A$36,808 (CRICOS C)

Course Overview

Future-proof your career with digital skills

The Diploma of Information Technology provides a broad introduction to computing, after which you will progress to a more specialised area during your degree such as computer networking, information systems, software development and web development.

You’ll begin to develop an understanding of the architecture and functions of computer networks, learn how to analyse and design information systems and create solutions to programming problems while learning a programming language.

Degree Pathway

Gain direct entry into 2nd year of:

• Bachelor of Information Technology

Course Structure

What you’ll be studying

The Diploma of Information Technology has two streams, each leading to a different Bachelor program. In both streams, you’ll study a total of eight units before graduation.

First Trimester

• LTM1AIM Academic Integrity Module (Online, zero credit point unit, all students must complete this unit in their first trimester) This subject introduces students to the principals of academic integrity in the context of La Trobe University’s values and policy. Students learn what their responsibilities are in relation to maintaining ethical standards in all aspects of academic work and the potential ramifications for academic misconduct according to the Academic Integrity Policy. Activities and quizzes are provided, which are designed to develop and understanding of the concepts of cheating, plagiarism and collusion. Topics include an explaining of how the text-matching tool ‘Turnitin” is used at La Trobe, and where to get help and where to go to develop referencing skills. Assessment: Final Quiz (must achieve 8/10 to pass), Statement of Student responsibility (must achieve 10/10 to pass)
• TCSE1IIT Inside Information Technology In this subject, students will be provided with a general and practical introduction to information technology for students in a range of disciplines. This subject will guide students to implement the IT skills to their field of study. It covers: fundamental principles of computer operation, the main hardware components of the computer, data storage and retrieval, introduction to system software, introduction to data communications, computer networks, the Internet; operating systems, file management systems, security, introduction to information systems; application software modules: spreadsheets, database packages, the World Wide Web. Assessment: Class tests (40%), Final written exam (60%)
• TCSE1PEXS Programming for Engineers and Scientists This subject introduces students to analysing, designing, constructing and documenting solutions to programming problems. The students are also introduced to commonly used operating systems and tools used in program development in the Java programming language. Assessment: Quizzes (5%), Progress and programming tests (20%), Programming assignment (5%), Final written exam (70%)
• TCSE2NEF Network Engineering Fundamentals In this subject we introduce the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. We also look at OSI and TCP/IP layer models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. The fundamentals of IP addressing and basic concepts of Ethernet will also be studied. Assessment: Class tests (30%), Final lab test (20%), Final written exam (50%)
• SSTA1DCT Data Based Critical Thinking This subject helps the student evaluate data-based evidence encountered in everyday life. It provides the fundamental numeracy skills required by business people, lawyers, nurses, journalists, social scientists, teachers and other professionals who need to evaluate data-based arguments, whether found in newspapers, television or on-line websites. This is achieved by a combination of studying newsworthy topics introduced in lectures, computer laboratory classes which encourage engagement with others and on-line quizzes that assess numeracy skills. The four themes covered in this subject are gathering useful data, turning data into information, probability and from data to decision making. These themes are designed for students who do not have any background in mathematics, statistics or probability. Assessment: Class tests (30%), Final lab test (20%), Final written exam (50%)
• TCSE1ICB Introduction to Cybersecurity In the modern Internet era, industries and organizations need to be prepared to defend against cyber threats and attacks. Stakeholders should be familiar with basic principles and best practices of cybersecurity to protect their businesses and personal information. In this subject, these principles and strategies for future cyber security are explored. Key topics include information security, ethical and legal practices, mitigating cyber vulnerabilities, and the process of incident response and analysis. The subject introduces the broad discipline of cybersecurity and outlines how to ensure the privacy, reliability, confidentiality and integrity of information systems and mitigate against cyber threats and risks. Assessment: Test (20%), Quiz (10%), Assignment (20%), Final written exam (50%)

Electives

Any three available electives offered in any other Diploma program that are currently available.

Popular Career Paths

Employment and career options after completing your Bachelor’s degree:

• Applications programming
• Business programming
• Business systems analysis
• Computer sales and marketing
• Computer systems auditor
• Database administrator
• Helpdesk support
• IT consulting
• Network engineering
• Network security
• Systems design and administration
• Systems auditing

Entry Requirements

View entry requirements for domestic and international students here.