C07108v1 Graduate Diploma in Professional Computing

Overview

This course is designed for current information technology professionals who want to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successfully undertaking professional roles in a chosen specialisation.

The Graduate Diploma in Professional Computing is a unique course where graduates – already professionals with work experience – select a program of study that suits their individual career goals. The course combines theoretical studies with extensive hands-on experience using a variety of professional software in the Faculty's laboratory space. All subjects are supported by online materials and incorporate various forms of flexible learning. Graduates are critical thinkers and proactive learners in relation to knowledge and skills required for their chosen career direction.

Course aims

On completion of this course, graduates are able to:

• understand emerging and developing computing and information technologies within the context of the current commercial and legal environment
• apply the academic written and spoken language skills required for postgraduate study in IT
• research and reflect on emerging and developing computing and information technologies
• apply the skills and knowledge necessary for successfully undertaking professional roles in a chosen and specific specialisation, and
• assess and critically interpret a chosen and specific specialisation in the context of current and future demands of the IT industry.

Career options

On completion of this course, graduates are recognised as IT specialists who are experts in their chosen field of specialisation, possessing a broad understanding of developing computing and information technologies.

Articulation

Additional admission requirements

Local students

Applicants should have:

• a minimum qualification equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with a major in computing or information technology (or related discipline) or a Bachelor's degree plus a Graduate Diploma in computing or information technology (or related discipline) from a recognised Australian university (or equivalent), and
• at least three years' full-time (or equivalent) professional computing experience.

Applicants with insufficient formal qualifications may be admitted if they can demonstrate evidence of general and professional qualifications, such as other post-secondary school qualifications that can establish the applicant's aptitude, knowledge and practical experience, which will satisfy the Faculty Board in Information Technology that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue postgraduate studies.

International students

The abovementioned standard admission requirements also apply to international applicants. International applicants with insufficient formal qualifications are not admitted.

Additional assumed knowledge

As a guide, the level of the applicant's professional knowledge should be at least equivalent to that of a Member of the Australian Computer Society.

Additional recognition of prior learning

Exemption from subjects in the Graduate Diploma program is not normally given on the basis of previous study.

Course duration and attendance

The course may be taken on a part-time basis over two years, or on a full-time basis over one year. Lectures are normally held in the evenings from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Course structure

The Graduate Diploma in Professional Computing totals 48 credit points of study, made up of 12 credit points of core subjects, 24 credit points of specialisation subjects and 12 credit points of electives.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The example below shows a typical full-time program commencing in Autumn semester. Following the example is the list of specialisations, the introductory subjects for each specialisation and the list of electives.

If a student does not have a specific specialisation in mind when commencing the Graduate Diploma, during the first semester the student can take, in addition to the two core subjects, two introductory specialisation subjects. Each specialisation has an 'introduction' subject which must be taken first.

Students should be aware of the following:

Professional recognition

Australian Computer Society

Graduates qualify for professional-level membership.

Other information

Further information is available from the Building 10 Student Centre on: