Diploma of Information Technology

Diploma of Information Technology - ICT50220

VOCATIONAL

Learn about programming, web development (PHP and content management systems), operating systems, networking, database modelling and implementation. 

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$24,750 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the RMIT Diploma of Information Technology, based in Melbourne, you will be guided by experienced teachers with extensive industry experience to develop a project portfolio designed to help launch a career in IT.

As part of your study in a world-class university environment, you will learn how to:

  • create a web-based solution for a client
  • develop mobile applications
  • apply project management skills to an IT project.

You will learn how to install, operate and troubleshoot medium enterprise routers and switches, design user experience (UX) solutions, build dynamic websites, design and integrate databases, design, build and test network servers, and more. You will also build professional skills including promoting cyber security awareness and best practice, managing client issues, and originating and developing concepts. 

Why choose the Diploma of Information Technology at RMIT?

Top-ranked university

RMIT University is ranked #10 in Australia for computer science and information systems*.

Hands-on learning

Work on industry projects with real clients, gaining experience and applying theoretical knowledge.

Professional accreditation

Gain eligibility for Associate Membership of the Australian Computer Society.

 [*QS rankings by subject 2024]

Animated student holding qualification

Guaranteed Pathway options available

Know where you're headed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. 

Please note that while purchasing or owning a laptop is recommended for this course it is not a requirement. Should you choose to purchase a laptop before your classes start, we recommend the following specifications:

  • 11th Gen i7 or AMD Ryzen 5700x CPU
  • Minimum 16GB RAM (32GB Recommended)
  • 1TB SSD Storage

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, presentations, group projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will develop project management experience and apply knowledge you've developed in class by working on industry projects with real clients where possible.

Guiding the development of the Diploma of Information Technology within the Future Technologies Industry Cluster College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of experienced industry professionals. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

You will learn a broad spectrum of technical skills in computing and information technology, with emphasis on website design, software development, database design, operating systems and networking.

The Diploma of Information Technology combines six core subjects and 14 electives from the following areas:

  • networking
  • programming
  • databases
  • IT support 
  • project management
  • web design and development.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Information Technology
Program code: C5402
National curriculum code: ICT50220

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Information Technology
City Campus
1 year
C5402
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5402
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology
City Campus
1 year
C5402
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5402
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5402AN
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5402AN
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5402AN
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5402AN
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineer)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5402CE
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5402CE
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineer)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5402CE
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5402CE
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security)
City Campus
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
C5402CS
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C5402CS
CRICOS
107251C
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5402CS
107251C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5402CS
CRICOS
107251C

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Employment outcomes for IT graduates vary depending on the level of qualification. In the vocational education sector, 83.7 per cent of diploma graduates are employed six months after graduation.

Graduates work in:

  • IT project management
  • software development
  • database development
  • networking
  • web development.

This diploma also offers graduates a pathway to more specialised studies, opening up additional career paths in IT and related industries. Graduates should take advantage of opportunities to advance and/or specialise in a wide range of technologies and be prepared to continue training throughout their career to remain industry-relevant.

Employment for ICT professionals is anticipated to grow strongly in the next few years.

Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for ICT network and support professionals are set to increase by 13.6% to 2028.

Students engaged in this program and over 16 years of age are eligible for Associate Membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Option 1:

Diploma of Information Technology (plan code C5402):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

Option 2:

Guaranteed Pathway - Diploma of Information Technology/Bachelor of Business (plan code C5402PATH1):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in the communications, business or public relations industry sector.

Option 3:

Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking) (plan code C5402AN):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

Option 4:

Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineering) (plan code C5402CE):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

Option 5:

Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) (plan code C5402CS):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field
Ranking

Entry into the C5402CS plan code is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked. 

Applicants are advised to upload evidence of any complete or partially completed qualification/s along with an official transcript of results. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

You can gain entry into this Diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the Associate Degree in Information Technology with credit when you successfully complete the Diploma of Information Technology.

You will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) if you follow the Information Technology pathway.

You will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 72 credit points) if you follow the Computer Science, Software Engineering or Data Science pathway.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$12,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$18,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.