Diploma of Information Technology

The Diploma of Information Technology is a one-and-a-half-year qualification at Actors College of Theatre and Television Pty Ltd, Academy of Film Theatre and Television, listed on CRICOS as course 108197G. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which puts it below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV. The course is built around information systems, so you spend your time on how organisations store, move and use data rather than on low-level programming alone.

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points. You enrol in a set sequence of units, usually across semesters or trimesters, and each unit has its own assessment tasks. There is no honours year attached to a diploma and no research thesis. What you get instead is practical coursework, often with a final project or work-integrated learning component where you apply your skills to a real workplace or simulated industry brief. The exact unit list and credit-point structure are set by the provider, so check the official page for the current sequence.

Skills you pick up include database design, network fundamentals, systems analysis, and the basics of supporting users and maintaining IT infrastructure. You also learn to document technical work and work in a team, which matters in every IT job. The course suits people who want a shorter, job-focused qualification rather than a three-year degree, or who want to test the field before committing to further study. It also works for career changers who need a recognised Australian qualification to get started in IT support or systems administration.

As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available if you meet the requirements. English entry is typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though the Department of Home Affairs sets its own separate English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details, including unit structure and English equivalents, on the official page.

• ICT support technician, help desk and desktop support roles in banks, hospitals, government agencies and managed service providers.
• Network support officer, maintaining local area networks and assisting with connectivity in small to medium organisations.
• Database administrator (entry level), assisting with data entry, backup and basic queries in retail, logistics and professional services.
• Systems administrator assistant, supporting servers and user accounts in education, healthcare and not-for-profit organisations.
• IT customer service representative, frontline technical support in telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce businesses.