Diploma of Information Technology

The Diploma of Information Technology at Melbourne Polytechnic is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in IT support, networking or junior systems roles, or who want a pathway into further study. You study core areas like hardware and software support, networking basics, operating systems, cybersecurity fundamentals and working with databases. Assessment is mostly practical: configuring systems, troubleshooting faults, documenting your work and working in teams on small projects.

Australian diplomas are typically one year of full-time study, made up of units of study that each carry credit points. You need to pass all required units to graduate. Some diplomas include a work placement or industry project, so check the official course page for the current structure. If you continue to a bachelor degree, you may receive credit for some units, which shortens the degree by a semester or more. Confirm credit arrangements with the receiving institution before you enrol.

The course suits school leavers, career changers and international students who want a practical, job-focused start in IT without committing to a three-year degree. It also suits people already working in entry-level tech roles who want a recognised qualification. You will build skills in problem solving, customer service, documentation and basic programming or scripting, depending on your electives.

Melbourne Polytechnic is a public TAFE institute in Melbourne, so you learn in a city with a large technology sector and plenty of small and medium businesses that need IT support. International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing eligible study. English requirements for this course are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always check the official page for the most current unit list, English requirements and fees.

• IT support officer or help desk technician in managed service providers, government departments and large organisations
• Network support technician maintaining local area networks and basic security settings
• Junior systems administrator assisting with servers, backups and user accounts
• Desktop support analyst rolling out hardware and software in schools, hospitals and businesses
• Entry-level roles in retail, logistics, finance and professional services that rely on in-house IT teams
• Pathway to further study: credit towards a bachelor degree in information technology or computer science