Diploma of Information and Communications Technology

Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Cairns
Next start term
Term 1, 2027
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CG36
CRICOS
063667B
First-year fee
A$39,840 (2026 Indicative)
A Melbourne CQU student with glasses in tutorial room looking at computer screen.

Overview

The Diploma of Information and Communications Technology will allow you to gain a core body of IT knowledge, whilst providing the flexibility to tailor your course to suit your interests.

Choose from a range of elective unit options in application development, artificial intelligence, business data analytics and cyber security.

This course also offers seamless pathways into other undergraduate IT courses, where you'll be able to gain credits for the units you complete.

Study Experience

Discover more about your Diploma of Information and Communications Technology, including online and on-campus study options and seamless pathways to help you continue to advance your skills and knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Rockhampton student Aronel Buncayo
    “
    The course offers work integrated learning, such as a placement internship which actually provides you with experience of what to expect in the workplace, which is really good for students.

    Aronel Buncayo

    Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) | Philippines

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Diploma of Information and Communications Technology will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as:

  • administrator
  • application specialist
  • communications specialist
  • database designer
  • network engineer
  • programmer
  • systems administrator
  • systems analyst
  • technical writer
  • web designer
  • web programmer.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. 

You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete eight units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (6 units)
  2. 2
    Two elective units

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Core Units

You will study the six units listed below.

Elective Units

You will choose two electives, including one unit from those listed below. If you are intending on continuing your studies with the Bachelor of Information Technology (CQ18), we recommend that you choose the elective that aligns with your chosen major:

  • Application Development Major: Object Oriented Programming (COIT11134)
  • Artificial Intelligence Major: Essential Statistics (STAT11048)
  • Business Data Analytics Major: Dashboard Design and Visualisation (COIT11240)
  • Cyber Security Major: Cybersecurity Technologies (COIT11241).

You will then choose any other 6-credit point undergraduate unit offered within the Bachelor of Information Technology, provided all required pre-requisites have been met. We recommend you consult with the Course Management team when choosing your electives.

Additional Information

If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

English and Alternative Entry Pathways

CQU offers a range of English and alternative entry pathways to help you get started. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are options available, depending on your background and previous experience.

View Alternative Entry Pathways

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Course Fees

This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms). 

Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

International Course Fees

Study online from outside Australia and save with reduced fees for the duration of your course. 

  • Graduate certificate: A$8760 total (for one term)
  • Diploma and graduate diploma: A$17 520 total (two terms)
  • Associate degree, bachelor and master: A$17 520 for the first year (two terms)

Fees are indicative and based on a full-time study load of 24 credit points per term.

 

You may be eligible for a scholarship depending on your citizenship, your study mode or whether you're pursuing a research degree. Together with our affordable tuition fees, this can help make achieving your study goals more affordable.

Browse our scholarships

In addition to your course fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. These may include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, living expenses and more.

How to Apply

You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.

Apply