Advanced Diploma of Information Technology

The Advanced Diploma of Information Technology is a two-year qualification at AQF level 6, sitting between a diploma and a bachelor degree. It's delivered by the Queensland School of Beauty Therapy, a provider best known for its beauty and therapy training, which also offers this IT course at its Queensland campus. The programme is built around practical, job-ready IT skills rather than a research pathway, so expect a lot of hands-on work in labs and simulated workplace settings rather than long essays.

What you actually study

Core areas usually include networking, cybersecurity basics, systems administration, database design, web development, and supporting users in an organisation. You'll work through units of study with credit points attached, and assessment is typically a mix of practical tasks, projects, and short written work. Because it's an advanced diploma, the content goes deeper than a standard diploma, you'll cover more complex network configurations, server management, and IT project work. Some providers build in a capstone unit where you pull everything together into one project, often for a real or simulated client.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications like this one are usually delivered over semesters or trimesters, with each unit worth a set number of credit points. Two years full-time is the standard pace, though some providers offer part-time or accelerated options. Work-integrated learning is common in IT advanced diplomas, you might do a placement with a local business, help desk, or IT support team, or complete a live project for an organisation. That practical component is what employers look for when hiring.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want to get into IT support, networking, or junior cybersecurity roles without committing to a three-year bachelor degree. It also works for career changers who already have some technical interest and want a structured, hands-on qualification. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge equivalents accepted. The Student visa also has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for current fees and start dates.

• ICT support technician, help desk and desktop support roles in banks, hospitals, government departments, and managed service providers across Australia.
• Network administrator, maintaining and troubleshooting networks for small to medium businesses, schools, and local councils.
• Systems administrator, managing servers, user accounts, and backups in organisations that run their own IT infrastructure.
• Junior cybersecurity analyst, monitoring systems and responding to basic security incidents, often in professional services or retail head offices.
• Web developer, building and maintaining websites for agencies, startups, or in-house marketing teams.
• Database support officer, helping manage and query databases in logistics, health, or education settings.
• IT project coordinator, supporting project managers on technology rollouts and upgrades.

Graduates often start in entry-level roles and move up with experience and further study. The advanced diploma can also count as credit towards a bachelor degree in IT at some Australian universities.