Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop practical skills in the design, construction, operation and support of IT solutions.
• Build specialised knowledge in information systems, including analysis, protection, design and specification.
• Develop the ability to critically analyse problems and work collaboratively to address design, technology and programming challenges.
• Gain research skills to assess the effectiveness of technology and IT solutions.
• The programme is specifically suitable for students from non-IT backgrounds seeking to transition into the IT industry.
• Key skill areas highlighted by Swinburne include data management, IT solution implementation and computer architecture.
• The qualification can also provide a pathway into further postgraduate study, including the Master of Information Technology.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Graduate Diploma is part of a nested qualification structure. Students can progress from the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology into the Graduate Diploma and subsequently into the Master of Information Technology.

The Information Systems pathway comprises the following specialisation units:

• Technology Design Project — COS60011 — 12.5 credit points
• Programming Principles and Practices — COS60018 — 12.5 credit points
• Requirements Analysis and Modelling — INF60010 — 12.5 credit points
• Business Process Management — INF80028 — 12.5 credit points
• Technology Innovation Research and Project — COS70008 — 25 credit points

The nested Graduate Diploma structure adds:

• Big Data — COS80023 — 12.5 credit points as a core unit
• One 12.5-credit-point elective.

The elective list published by Swinburne includes options such as:

• Introduction to Data Science — COS60008
• Advanced Software Development — COS70006
• Internet Security — COS80013
• Software Quality and Testing — COS80022
• Data Visualisation — COS80025
• Machine Learning — COS80027
• Networks and Cybersecurity Frameworks — CYB60004
• Cyber Ethics — CYB70001
• Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices — ICT60001.

The initial nested Graduate Certificate stage contains four core units:

• Creating Web Applications — COS60004
• Data Management for the Big Data Age — COS60009
• User-Centred Design — COS70004
• Cloud Engineering — COS80001

and the four Information Systems specialisation units:

• Technology Design Project
• Programming Principles and Practices
• Requirements Analysis and Modelling
• Business Process Management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Information Systems.

Swinburne describes this specialisation as developing expertise in:

• analysing information systems;
• protecting information systems;
• designing information systems;
• specifying information systems;
• analysing complex problems;
• addressing technology and programming challenges; and
• collaborative problem-solving.

The broader Graduate Diploma of Information Technology also offers:

• Data Analytics
• Information Systems
• Mobile and Cloud Computing
• Software Development.

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate Graduate Diploma qualification
• Information Systems specialisation
• Course code: GD-IT1
• CRICOS: 083472C
• Hawthorn campus
• 1.5 years full-time
• 150 credit points
• 2027 starts in March and August
• Designed to accommodate students transitioning from non-IT backgrounds
• Practical and theoretical IT learning
• Information systems analysis, design and protection
• Research and project-based learning
• Nested pathway to the Master of Information Technology
• Multiple elective choices across data, software development, cybersecurity and related areas.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career directions including:

• Quantitative Research Analyst
• Digital Workplace Analyst
• Support Engineer
• Network Technician.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: GD-IT1.
• Current CRICOS code: 083472C.
• Current published duration: 1.5 years.
• Current published 2027 intakes: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current application deadlines shown by Swinburne: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit and RPL are assessed individually.
• The programme is part of a nested pathway leading towards the Master of Information Technology.
• The official Swinburne page does not identify this direct Graduate Diploma as a Kaplan-delivered programme.
• The Information Systems specialisation includes a 25-credit-point Technology Innovation Research and Project unit, giving the programme a research/project component. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Enrolment in an eligible course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an applicable exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable financial-capacity requirements if evidence is requested.
• Meeting health and character requirements where applicable.
• Providing the documents specified for the applicant's passport country and education provider through the Department of Home Affairs requirements/document checklist.