Graduate Diploma of Information & Communications Technology

The Graduate Diploma of Information & Communications Technology at Canterbury Institute of Management (CIM) is a one-year qualification for people who want to build a career in IT, or who already work in the field and need a formal credential to move up. It sits at graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a shorter, more focused qualification than a master's degree but still builds on prior study or professional experience. You will study core areas of ICT such as programming, networking, database systems, systems analysis and project management, with the option to choose electives that suit your interests. The exact units and structure are set out on CIM's official course page, so check there for the current list.

How the course is structured

The graduate diploma is delivered over one year of full-time study. Like most Australian graduate diplomas, it is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need to complete the required total to graduate. Teaching is typically organised into semesters or trimesters, depending on the institution's calendar. Assessment usually combines exams, assignments, group projects and practical work. Some graduate diplomas include a capstone unit where you bring together what you have learned in a real or simulated project; whether CIM includes one here is something to confirm on the official page.

What you will learn

You will come out with the practical skills employers ask for: writing code, designing and querying databases, understanding network infrastructure, analysing business requirements and managing IT projects. You will also build the softer skills that matter in tech teams, explaining technical ideas to non-technical people, working in groups and documenting your work properly. If you are coming from a non-IT background, the course gives you a structured way into the industry without committing to a two-year master's. If you already work in IT, it gives you a recognised Australian qualification to put on your resume.

Who it suits

This course suits three main groups: recent graduates from other fields who want to switch into IT, IT professionals who need a formal qualification for promotion or migration purposes, and people returning to study after time in the workforce. International students should note that studying in Australia on a Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you graduate you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for coursework postgraduate courses, but always check CIM's published requirements. Tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register under course code 111204J. Confirm all details, units, fees, English requirements and intake dates, on the official CIM page before you apply.

• ICT support officer
• Network administrator
• Database administrator
• Web developer
• Systems analyst
• IT project coordinator
• Software support technician
• Help desk manager

These roles are found across Australian industries including government, banking and finance, healthcare, education, retail, mining and telecommunications. Many graduates also work in IT consultancies or start their own businesses.