Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Fundamentals

Providing a pathway into a range of postgraduate IT degrees, La Trobe's Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Fundamentals is your first step to a successful career in IT.

With technology taking a front-and-centre role in modern business, IT professionals are in high demand. Industries from media and government to health and education are scrambling to recruit specialists in computing, diagnosis, service and maintenance.

Whether you're working in IT already and want to deepen your knowledge, or you're new to IT and want to break into this fast-growing industry, La Trobe's Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Fundamentals gives you a strong foundation you can use to launch the rest of your career.

Not sure exactly how to secure your dream job? No need to worry – our supportive academic staff will work with you to understand your career goals and help you make them happen.

Delivered in just six months full-time, this course provides you with a solid foundation in IT fundamentals, programming and statistics – highly transferable skills you can apply in a wide range of industries.

From there, you'll be ready to apply for one of our IT Master's degrees, choosing from specialist qualifications in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, digital media, information technology or the Internet of Things

You'll learn:

• Programming 101
  • Understand how to design and create software solutions using Python. Learn how to tackle practical problems using real-life scenarios.
• Information technology fundamentals
  • Build foundational skills in computer operation, hardware components, data storage and retrieval, system software, operating systems, file management systems, security and more.
• Database basics
  • Explore the architecture and management of different database systems and models. Design and implement your own commercial standard database system to meet specifications.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).

Offshore applicants are considered for admission based on the stated course entry requirements. IELTS may be considered.

The Graduate Certificate of Information Technology Fundamentals provides the skills you need for a career in IT – either immediately or after further postgraduate study. Possible roles include:*

• Network administrator
  • Develop, install and provide maintenance support across network and computer systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets and other data communication systems.
• Web developer
  • Design, build and maintain websites using both creative and technical skills to continuously improve safety, performance, usability and capacity.
• Network architect
  • Plan and build data communication networks to provide both local and global connections. Analyse and implement new technologies and provide solutions to maintain and improve technical infrastructure.
• Software developer/programmer
  • Design, test and develop software to meet user needs. Write code for programs and applications that adapt and respond to changing business requirements.
• Machine learning engineer
  • Use data science to design and develop machine learning systems that perform statistical analysis and help to drive innovation in artificial intelligence.

*Specific outcomes may depend on the completion of further tertiary studies in IT or a related field.