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
ATAR
45
Entry requirements
Credit
Duration
Course overview
Our brand new Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education) is a highly innovative program 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 courses 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 big 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
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
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
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Successful completion of a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or it's equivalent, such as an interstate or International Year 12 qualification. VCE pre-requisites: Units 3 and 4, a study score of at least 20 in any English or English (EAL).
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees, and Degrees).
Work / life experience
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the program with a reasonable prospect of success.
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS score of 5.5, with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- GC1
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.
