Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
40.0
Overview
Study the Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) to learn about computing hardware and software. You’ll gain strategic knowledge about the principles of designing, developing and managing these technologies as an individual and as part of a collaborative team.
Develop database-modelling techniques and gain broad knowledge of domain networks and network configurations while acquiring practical skills in structural programming and program development, web-based applications and cloud computing. Discover the world of emerging STEM technologies and how they can shape your future career.
Why UniLink?
Our UniLink diplomas are designed to provide a seamless connection from diploma to bachelor degree. They’re an alternative pathway – with a next gen difference! You’ll join our thriving Hawthorn campus community and gain access to all the same Swinburne facilities and support as your degree peers, with the addition of tailored support. You’ll have access to increased one-on-one time with your experienced teachers, English language development and learning support, smaller class sizes and increased class time to further develop the skills you need to succeed.
Transitioning into a degree
UniLink allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second. Completion of this course allows you to progress to these degrees and some more.
This information may change and should be used as a guide only. Credit available for advanced standing may vary depending on your chosen major.
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100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Computer Science
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Cyber Security
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Data Science
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Games and Interactivity
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Computer Science
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Cyber Security
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Data Science
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Games and Interactivity
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
Skills you’ll learn
- Network fundamentals
- Teamwork
- Analytical problem-solving
- Web programming
- Information systems
- Academic English and professional communication
Support available to you
We provide integrated support to you as an international student to help develop the skills you need to make a successful transition to study with Swinburne. The support services available include:
- Embedded English language development within all course units
- Smaller class sizes to ensure personalised development and learning support
- Learning support services available 24/7
- Increased class time dedicated to developing academic and communication skills
- Access to expert teachers specialising in assisting non-English speaking students
Your career opportunities
After completion of the chosen bachelor degree, graduates may find employment in a wide range industries and associated areas.
- Web developer
- Software designer
- Cyber security consultant
- Mobile application developer
- Data analyst or scientist
- Network or systems administrator
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why choose a UniLink diploma?
No time or cost added to your degree
Seamless and guaranteed connection to your degree
24/7 support for Academic English and skill development
Smaller class sizes and one-on-one time with teachers
Admissions
Successful completion of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in English OR at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in English OR at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Sight
Students in the Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) will use and interpret visual information, including colour and facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Creating and assessing visual design and user interface elements, including data visualisations, layouts and colour systems
Demonstrating IT applications and websites.
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sound | Hear and respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Fine motor skills
Students in the Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) will use fine motor skills to execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Navigating and operating software interfaces using precise mouse or trackpad movements to elect, move, and edit code or system elements
Controlling cursor to make small adjustments or fix errors
Assembling and connecting computer hardware or external devices by inserting and aligning cables, pins, or small components
Handling and positioning small parts during setup, testing, or troubleshooting
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the use of the following forms of mobility and movement are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. |
| Dexterity | Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. |
Adaptable components
The following professional components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Codes of conduct | Follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s). |
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the use of the following learning and knowledge creation abilities are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
Adaptable components
The following interpersonal components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Verbal communication | Express ideas clearly through spoken language, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback. |
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Written communication | Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | Work with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0.
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes EAP 4 Upper Intermediate with overall 65%, and all skills 60% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
Apply for a pathway course
These pathways are recognised as an entry requirement to allow students to progress to a UniLink diploma.
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Certificate IV in Cyber Security
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Diploma of Information Technology
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Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design, Game Programming)
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of the Diploma of Information Technlogy (UniLink), students must successfully complete eight units (100 credit points) comprising:
Transitioning into a degree
UniLink allows students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second. Completion of this course allows you to progress to these courses.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Fundamentals of Programming
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10029 |
|
Digital Technology in an Indigenous Context
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10030 |
|
Computer Technology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10031 |
|
Computing Systems Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10032 |
|
Cloud Computing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10034 |
Students select one stream to complete:
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Advanced Programming
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10033 |
|
Network Fundamentals
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
TNE10007 |
|
Advanced Networks
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
TNE10008 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Introduction to Business Information Systems
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
INF10009 |
|
Network Fundamentals
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
TNE10007 |
|
Advanced Networks
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
TNE10008 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Advanced Programming
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10033 |
|
Introduction to Business Information Systems
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
INF10009 |
|
Management 2030
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
ORG10001 |
2026 fees
Commonwealth Supported Fee* ($AUD)
$11,500
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$35,360.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Future scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.