Diploma of Information Technology

The Diploma of Information Technology is a one-and-a-half-year qualification at Lead College Pty Ltd, registered on CRICOS (course code 105836E). It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree and above a certificate IV. You will study core areas of information systems: how organisations use technology, how data moves through systems, how to support users and networks, and how to work within IT projects. Expect a mix of lectures, tutorials, and hands-on lab work where you configure systems, write basic code, and troubleshoot problems. Assessment is usually a combination of practical tasks, assignments, and exams, with some group work. The course is delivered over three or four study periods depending on the trimester or semester structure, and each unit carries credit points that count towards the diploma.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You need to pass all required units to graduate. The exact unit list is on the official CRICOS entry and the college's handbook, so check those for the current sequence. There is no honours year or thesis at this level. Some diplomas include a capstone or final project where you pull together what you have learned, and many include a work-integrated learning component such as an industry project or placement. Whether Lead College offers that is something to confirm with the college directly.

What you will learn

You will build practical skills in areas like networking, web development, database basics, cybersecurity awareness, and IT support. You will also learn to document systems, work in teams, and communicate technical ideas to non-technical people. The diploma is a hands-on qualification, so you spend time in labs rather than just reading theory. By the end, you should be able to install and configure basic systems, write simple programs, and help an organisation solve common IT problems.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want a practical start in IT without committing to a full three-year bachelor degree. It is also a pathway: many students use a diploma to gain credit towards a bachelor degree at an Australian university, usually with some units counted towards the degree. If you are already working in a related area and want formal recognition, or you are changing careers and need foundational skills, the diploma gives you a structured way in. International students should note that while studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started. After finishing, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, but check the Department of Home Affairs website for current rules. English requirements for the course are set by the college; IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for courses at this level, but confirm the exact score on the official page. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always check the official CRICOS entry and the college's website for the most up-to-date details.

• IT support officer
• Help desk technician
• Network support assistant
• Junior web developer
• Systems administrator (entry level)
• Database support assistant
• IT project coordinator (entry level)

These roles are found across Australian industries including professional services, government, education, healthcare, retail, and technology companies. Many graduates also use the diploma as a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in information technology or computer science, with credit for prior learning.