Why Study / Key Benefits

• The programme develops practical IT skills relating to the design, construction, operation and support of IT solutions.
• It is designed to provide entry-level IT skills together with research skills for assessing the effectiveness of technologies and IT solutions.
• Swinburne specifically positions the qualification as suitable for students from non-IT backgrounds who want to transition into the IT industry.
• The Data Analytics specialisation focuses on storing, managing, organising and analysing data from different computer systems.
• Students develop conceptual and practical understanding of data science in real-world applications and can work in teams on industry-driven challenges.
• The course also develops broader capabilities in data management, IT solution implementation and computer architecture.
• The qualification is the second stage of a nested programme structure and can lead into Swinburne's Master of Information Technology.
• Swinburne currently highlights university-level indicators including a Top 150 position in the US News Best Global Universities 2025–2026 ranking, #6 in Australia for Artificial Intelligence, and a median postgraduate graduate income of A$105.5K nine years after graduation. These are university-level indicators and are not individual employment or salary guarantees.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 150-credit-point qualification is structured as a nested programme.

Graduate Certificate stage:

Core units:

• Creating Web Applications – COS60004 – 12.5 credit points
• Data Management for the Big Data Age – COS60009 – 12.5 credit points
• User-Centred Design – COS70004 – 12.5 credit points
• Cloud Engineering – COS80001 – 12.5 credit points

Data Analytics specialisation units:

• Introduction to Data Science – COS60008 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Design Project – COS60011 – 12.5 credit points
• Programming Principles and Practices – COS60018 – 12.5 credit points
• Data Visualisation – COS80025 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Innovation Research and Project – COS70008 – 25 credit points.

Graduate Diploma stage adds:

Core unit:

• Big Data – COS80023 – 12.5 credit points

Data Analytics specialisation units:

• Introduction to Data Science – COS60008 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Design Project – COS60011 – 12.5 credit points
• Programming Principles and Practices – COS60018 – 12.5 credit points
• Data Visualisation – COS80025 – 12.5 credit points
• Technology Innovation Research and Project – COS70008 – 25 credit points

Elective options include:

• 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.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Graduate Diploma of Information Technology currently offers four specialisations:

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

The requested Data Analytics specialisation focuses on:

• Data storage and management
• Data organisation
• Data analysis
• Data science
• Data visualisation
• Big data
• Programming
• Cloud engineering
• Technology design
• Technology research and project work.

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate Graduate Diploma qualification.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• 150 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus, Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 083472C.
• Data Analytics specialisation.
• Suitable for students transitioning into IT from non-IT academic backgrounds.
• Covers data management, data science, data visualisation, big data, programming and cloud-related technologies.
• Includes a 25-credit-point Technology Innovation Research and Project unit.
• Provides an elective component allowing additional study in areas such as machine learning, software development, cybersecurity and data visualisation.
• Forms the second stage of a nested pathway leading to the Master of Information Technology.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists the following career directions for the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology:

• Quantitative Research Analyst
• Digital Workplace Analysis
• Support Engineering
• Network Technician.

The Data Analytics specialisation can also provide academic and practical preparation for roles involving:

• Data analysis
• Data management
• Data visualisation
• Junior data science
• IT solution implementation
• Technology support
• Data-oriented technology projects

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current CRICOS code: 083472C.
• Current duration: 1.5 years full-time.
• Current location: Hawthorn, Melbourne.
• Current programme structure: 150 credit points, comprising 137.5 credit points of core units and 12.5 credit points of electives.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed case-by-case.
• Minimum entry requirements do not guarantee admission.
• The qualification is nested and can provide progression into the Master of Information Technology.
• Exact India-specific academic equivalency: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.
• Exact 2027 programme tuition fee: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students coming to Australia to study this CRICOS-registered programme will generally require the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Compliance with the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Evidence of financial capacity where requested by Home Affairs.
• Compliance with the conditions attached to the Student visa.

For the Genuine Student requirement, Home Affairs asks applicants to answer questions in English in the online visa application. Standard questions have a 150-word limit, and supporting documents may also be required.

Work rights:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• Students cannot work before their course starts.
• Students studying master's by research or doctoral degrees have different work-rights rules; this exception does not apply to this Graduate Diploma.