The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology at Kaplan Business School (KBS) is an AQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification designed for students seeking foundational and advanced IT knowledge, particularly in programming, information systems and database design and management. KBS says the course develops the ability to apply technology-based approaches and solutions across industries such as IT, communications, management and business.

Key benefits include:

• Develop practical IT and programming knowledge.
• Learn Python programming.
• Develop database design and management skills.
• Understand information systems in a business environment.
• Develop professional communication skills for IT.
• Learn to evaluate ethical, privacy and information-security issues.
• Build skills for solving complex business problems using technology.
• Eligible students may receive up to four subject credits into recognised postgraduate IT courses in Australia, subject to the receiving institution's requirements.
• Every KBS IT student is eligible for free membership of the Australian Computer Society, according to KBS.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has four compulsory core subjects:

1. TECH1100 – Professional Practice and Communication in IT
2. TECH1200 – Programming in Python
3. TECH1300 – Information Systems in Business
4. TECH1400 – Database Design and Management.

All four subjects have no prerequisite according to the current KBS course page.

The subjects cover:

• Professional IT practice and communication
• Python programming
• Information systems and their application in business
• Database design
• Database management
• Technology-based business solutions
• Ethical, privacy and information-security considerations.

KBS advises applicants to use Kaplink for the complete current subject availability information.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology does not have separately named formal specialisations.

Its principal study areas are:

• Information technology
• Programming
• Python
• Information systems
• Database design and management
• IT professional practice
• Business technology
• Information security, privacy and ethics.

Programme Highlights

• AQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• CRICOS code 110276A.
• Standard duration of 8 months.
• 2 trimesters.
• 4 core subjects.
• Six Australian campus locations.
• March, July and November standard starts.
• Focus on programming, databases and business information systems.
• Free Australian Computer Society membership for KBS IT students.
• Potential pathway into recognised postgraduate IT courses through subject credit.

KBS's stated learning outcomes include the ability to:

• Investigate business opportunities using technological and programming concepts.
• Communicate solutions to complex technology problems to stakeholders.
• Formulate and implement technology-based business solutions.
• Develop solutions using an exploratory, technical and global mindset.
• Evaluate ethical, privacy and information-security issues.

Career Outcomes

KBS specifically lists these career outcomes:

• IT Coordinator
• Desktop Support Specialist
• Helpdesk Operator
• Technical Operations Officer.

The curriculum may also provide a foundation for roles involving:

• IT support
• Information systems
• Database administration
• Junior programming
• Business technology
• Technical operations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current KBS course page confirms:

• CRICOS code 110276A
• AQF Level 8
• 8-month standard duration
• Four core subjects
• Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
• March, July and November starts. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students undertaking this Australian KBS qualification generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

KBS's application process requires students to:

1. Complete the KBS application.
2. Submit certified supporting documents.
3. Receive an Offer of Admission.
4. Sign and return the Acceptance of Offer and pay the fees specified in the offer.
5. Receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
6. Use the eCoE to proceed with the Australian Student visa application.

The required application documents can include:

• Passport
• High-school certificates and transcripts
• English-proficiency documents
• Degree completion certificate and transcripts, where applicable
• Work-experience details, where applicable.