Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

Information and computing technology affects all aspects of modern life and there is a worldwide shortage of ICT professionals.

Its applications now include, not only commerce and science, but also health, education, engineering, transport, government, entertainment, sport, and social networking.

It has become so complex that only well-educated professionals are capable of developing and applying ICT systems in modern organisations.

Course Aims

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is designed for students with a Bachelor degree in an area other than computing and who wish to obtain qualifications in information technology. The aim of the course is to enable students to build competencies in a range of areas critical to information technology/computer science. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a range of information technology related career paths or articulate into further studies in the information technology/computer science area.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate through their own study and practice, advanced knowledge of information technology; demonstrate through their own practice, specialist technical competencies in the laboratory and professional workplace related to information technology; and, advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their information technology; conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to information technology; be effective communicators of technology by communicating technical knowledge and concepts, and transferring complex knowledge and technical ideas to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and be responsible and accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and high level independent judgement in a range of functions in information technology; operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to information technology.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will have an advanced knowledge of computing science/information technology through the learning and teaching activities associated within each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, lecturers and tutors, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, online activities and discussion board. Students will be assessed using: program design tasks; computational assignments; theory based assignments; individual and group project reports; and written examinations. Graduates will work and study in a global environment. They will have an in-depth understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the nature of computing science and information technology in a global environment. Communication Skills Oral and written communication via a range of media is an essential aspect of participation in a software development team. These skills will be taught, practised and assessed in most units within the course. Problem Solving Students will gain problem solving skills in systems analysis, program design and project management. All units which involve programming will teach and assess problem solving skills. Information Literacy Graduates will be able to communicate results, information or arguments relevant to information technology to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. They will also be able to synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Information technology is a very rapidly changing field of study. Students will be provided with fundamental skills which enable them to supplement their knowledge and adapt to the use of new software environments, technologies and tools. This will be taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of languages, environments and specialised systems. Professional practice in software development is embedded in the course content. Units require students to reflect on social implications of information technology such as social networking, malicious software, identity theft and security measures. Lifelong Learning Information technology is a very rapidly changing field of study. Students will be provided with fundamental skills which enable them to supplement their knowledge and adapt to the use of new software environments, technologies and tools. This will be taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of languages, environments and specialised systems. Independence and Collaboration Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge individually and as part of collaborative teams. They are able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate with technical and non-technical colleagues and customers. Working in a group environment is an essential component of the course and in the professional practice of software development. To develop these skills, a number of units in the course require students to work in groups and provide guidance and assessment on group work.