Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (Online)

Back to topDescription

Postgraduate coursework in Information Technology is undertaken in an integrated program comprising Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master of Information Technology, Master of Advanced Information Technology and Master of Information Technology (Honours) programs.

The Information Technology Postgraduate programs are designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop and expand their skills and knowledge in the most technically advanced IT areas. The program provides graduates with training and experience (according to personal development needs) by developing expertise in the fast moving areas of: e-Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Multimedia, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications. Graduates of this program will also be able to identify and analyse simple problems and perform in a professional and ethical manner.

Back to topWhy study with us?

The Graduate Certificate is designed with flexibility to allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. It is the stepping stone to gain access to skills and knowledge in the most

technically advanced IT areas, including:

  • Design
  • e-Business
  • Information Systems
  • Software Engineering; and
  • Statistics

Back to topCareer Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be highly capable of working as software engineers, network engineers, web designers, systems analysts, programmers, database analysts, project managers or system managers depending on their choice of specialisation or interests.

Each program allows students to prepare for a wide range of careers across the entire Information Technology spectrum in areas such as eBusiness, Information Systems, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications.

Back to topAdmission Requirements

Applications for admission are initially assessed on the basis of an undergraduate degree but, for those who fall outside this criterion, applications will be assessed on the basis of "admissions points" as described in the Additional Selection Criteria. The Master of Information Technology requires 100 admission points. Those who's applications score 60 points will be offered a place in the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and those who score 80 points will be offered a place in the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology.

All applicants must satisfy the University's English Language requires as set out in the University's English Proficiency Policy: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/poicy/000104.html

Back to topAssumed Knowledge

International Computer Driver's License or ACS Computer Driver's License or equivalent

Back to topSelection Criteria

Additional Selection Criteria:
  • Alternative entry will be assessed on the basis of the admission points scheme as described below.

    • An incomplete undergraduate degree or equivalent from an approved institution (with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or greater):Up to 50 points depending on number of units successfully completed.
    • An AQF approved diploma or Associate Diploma or equivalent from an approved institution: Up to 50 points (50 points for a relevant area;

    30 points for a non-relevant area)

    • Approved professional qualifications: Up to 50 points.
    • Relevant work experience:20 points per year (maximum 60 points)
    • Related area of research or management project completed with appropriate documentation: Up to 50 points
    • Statement of professional aims and achievements and/or interview: Up to 20 points

    • An overseas qualification from an approved institution equivalent to an undergraduate degree, Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma will be allocated the appropriate admission points as specified above.

Back to topCredit Transfer

Credit may be granted for coursework courses if they can be demonstrated to be directly equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the corresponding courses in the Information Technology program, and they were completed within the previous 5 years. Credit will be granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and IT in accordance with the Rules Governing Postgraduate Coursework Programs. Students who graduate with the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and subsequently enrol in the Master of Information Technology may be eligible to apply for 80 units of credit

Back to topHonours

Students who satisfactorily complete the specified 120 units of the Master of Information Technology program may apply for admission to the Master of Information Technology(Honours) program and complete the additional 40 units of research required to qualify for the Master of Information Technology (Honours).

Back to topProfessional Accreditation

The professional body for Information Technology (IT) professionals within Australia is the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology program satisfies the requirements for ACS membership at the Associate level.

Back to topInternational Students

International students will have to achieve the University's requirements for English language competency. The Faculty of Science & IT accepts responsibility for needs arising in the context of the program content and its delivery.

Back to topSpecial Needs

The support structures of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will draw on the assistance and support provided by the Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit.

Back to topAdditional Information

Articulation within the programs is provided from Graduate Certificate to Graduate Diploma, Graduate Diploma to Masters of Information Technology.

Back to topRequirements and Structure

The program can be completed over one trimester of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Courses are offered on a trimester basis, ie. three terms per year. Students may commence studies in January, May or September. Please refer to the Term dates on the University website at: www.newcastle.edu.au/dates/

Back to topCourse Information

Back to topDirected Courses
Choose 40 units from the following Directed Courses.
COMP6050Internet Communications10 units
DESN6410Usability and Interaction Design10 units
GEBU6010Management Information Systems10 units
GEBU6020Strategic Business Systems10 units
GEBU6490eBusiness for Managers10 units
GSBS6010Foundations of Marketing Theory10 units
GSBS6031Marketing Research10 units
GSBS6270Business to Business Marketing Management10 units
GSBS6503Project Management10 units
INFO6001Database Management 110 units
INFO6002Database Management 210 units
INFO6030Systems Analysis and Design10 units
INFO6040Information Systems Implementation10 units
INFO6080Distributed Computing Technologies10 units
INFT63023D Modelling Animation and Rendering10 units
INFT6303Computer Games Production10 units
INFT6304Project Planning and Management10 units
SENG6110Introduction to Software Engineering 110 units
SENG6310Software Analysis and Verification10 units
SENG6400Network and Distributed Computing
Not to count with SENG6280
10 units
STAT6100Total Quality Management10 units