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Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (Online)

Take the next step in your IT career

100% online
delivery

Industry-aligned curriculum

Embedded certifications

Fees (first year)*
$4,940 CSP

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Your journey into information technology

  • 1 year part-time
  • 40 credits points

The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (Online) is an ideal entry point for professionals looking to build in-demand digital skills without committing to a full master’s degree. Designed to deliver practical, job-ready knowledge across core IT areas, this program equips you with the technical foundations and confidence to step into a fast-evolving, technology-driven workforce.

Whether you’re transitioning into the IT sector or looking to formalise your existing experience, you’ll gain exposure to key concepts such as systems, data and contemporary digital tools shaping modern organisations.

This qualification can also be credited towards a Master of Information Technology, providing a seamless pathway to further study.

Certificate details

  • 4 units
  • 40 credit points
  • Flexible study
  • Made up of units accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
  • Embedded Microsoft certifications
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Course structure

4 units

1 year part-time online study

The graduate certificate features interactive, foundational learning across systems, programming, networking and data through project-based learning guided by industry-active academics and experienced IT professionals.

Graduate equipped with technical depth, professional confidence and ethical insight – ready to contribute across industries and evolving digital environments.

This course is offered over four 10-week terms per year. You’ll access your learning materials from the start of each term and progress at your own pace. Some courses require on-campus intensives or in-person placements.

Required Information Technology units

Data is widely considered the world’s ‘new oil’, and data science is a powerful discipline that enables organisations to extract actionable insights from large volumes of data. This unit introduces students to the core concepts and practices of data science using Python — a widely adopted programming language known for its clarity, flexibility, and strong support for data analysis.

Students will first build a solid foundation in Python programming, including data types, data structures, control structures, functions, and file operations. They will then progress to using Python’s data science libraries — such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib — for tasks such as data wrangling, exploration, and visualisation. Real-world datasets from areas such as health, business, sustainability, and community services will be used to provide practical and inclusive context, ensuring representation of diverse perspectives and experiences.

The unit emphasises ethical data handling, reproducibility, and responsible analysis, while fostering critical thinking and hands-on experience. It also aligns with other units in the MINFTN program, providing foundational programming and data analysis skills that support more advanced study in areas such as machine learning, data mining, and business intelligence. The aim of this unit is to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in Python and data science, enabling them to contribute to societal benefit and the common good.

Modern organisations require robust and scalable and and sustainable IT infrastructures to remain competitive and resilient. This unit introduces postgraduate students to the essential principles and practices of contemporary IT infrastructure, with a specific focus on cloud computing. Students will gain foundational knowledge in cloud architecture, virtualisation, automation, and infrastructure management. They will also explore leading cloud platforms (e.g. MS Azure, AWS, GCP) and gain practical experience with Microsoft Azure. The unit covers evolving technologies, such as infrastructure as code, containerisation, edge computing, and sustainability practices. Students will apply these concepts through real-world case studies across various sectors. Aligned with Microsoft’s curriculum, the unit also provides a pathway to the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification. Ethical considerations and sustainability are integrated throughout, encouraging students to critically evaluate the social and environmental impacts of IT infrastructure decisions in line with Catholic Social Teaching (CST) principles, particularly stewardship and the common good.The aim is to equip students to design and manage secure, efficient, and sustainable IT infrastructures while critically evaluate their environmental impacts.

Databases are a critical technology for organisations, enabling the efficient recording, processing, and management of data while maintaining data quality and security. This unit equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in database design and implementation. Students will develop the ability to identify and model organisational information requirements, construct conceptual data models, verify structural integrity through normalisation techniques, and select appropriate database technologies to meet organisational needs.

The unit introduces both relational and non‑relational data storage approaches and associated toolsets. Students will learn to implement and use relational database technologies and Structured Query Language (SQL) in a cloud environment using Microsoft Azure. The unit also covers core database administration tasks and ethical considerations related to the management and protection of organisational data. Designed in alignment with Microsoft’s curriculum, the unit provides a pathway to the DP‑900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification.

The aim of this unit is to prepare students to select, design, implement, and administer large‑scale database solutions that address organisational data and information management requirements while upholding data privacy, security, and the dignity of the individuals served by the organisation.

Computer programs are widely used to drive business applications, and as a result, demand for individuals with strong programming skills continues to grow. Programmers are often required to maintain legacy code, develop new applications to enhance business competitiveness, and improve software security. This unit introduces students to the key concepts of computer program design and development using appropriate data structures, control structures, and functions. Students will also learn object-oriented programming, along with basic testing and debugging techniques. By acquiring these skills, students will be empowered to develop applications that not only meet business needs but also help improve working conditions by offloading laborious or repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more creative and fulfilling activities. The aim of this unit is to help students grasp the essentials of Java—a globally accepted, modern, and practical programming language—while fostering critical thinking and the ability to build software applications involving objects and functional components.

Carve a clear pathway into modern IT work and leadership

Technology continues to shape how organisations operate. IT capability underpins nearly every sector, from business and government to health, education and technology-driven services. Graduates of ACU’s online information technology courses are prepared for a wide range of roles that support, secure and evolve digital systems in real-world contexts.

For graduates, career outcomes may include:

  • software developer
  • data analyst
  • database developer/administrator
  • technology or digital solutions consultant.

Top careers:

IT consultant $90,000 per year1

IT manager $145,000 per year2

Entry requirements

Application deadline 15-Jan-2027

Start date 1-Feb-2027

To apply for this course, you’ll need:

  • A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline, OR
  • At least two years of industry experience in a relevant role.
How to apply

Fee details

Average first year fee*
$4,940 CSP

Fee assistance available

The cost of study is an important consideration when planning your future and the tuition outlined here is designed to give you a clear and transparent understanding of what to expect for the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (Online).

This course can be supported through HECS-HELP. HECS-HELP is a loan program to help eligible Commonwealth supported students pay the student contribution portion of their fees. Get in touch with our team for more information.

Fees & support

Your teachers

Learn from industry-active academics and researchers specialising in AI, data science and computing. Their expertise ensures you gain a deep understanding of both technical skills and ethical applications.

The course is supported by global partners like Microsoft, providing access to industry insight, certifications and real-world projects.

What’s it like to learn online?

As an ACU Online student, you’ll study the same curriculum taught on campus, with the flexibility to learn where and when it suits you. ACU’s digital learning platform connects you with expert educators, live tutorials and interactive coursework designed for flexibility and support. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, you’ll have the tools, structure and guidance to learn, succeed and excel at your own pace.

Sources and disclaimer

  1. How to become an IT Consultant https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/information-technology-consultant.
  2. How to become an IT manager https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/information-technology-manager.

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year. A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including the number of units studied per year, choice of major or specialisation and elective units. The University reviews fees annually. You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.