Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology

Overview

The SCI Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology (GDICT) course aims to provide students with a specialised and comprehensive education in ICT, preparing them to excel in various IT-related entry level roles. This course will serve as a pathway to the Master of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) course. Students who complete the Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology (GDICT) can get credit while enrolling in the Master of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) course at SCI. This pathway allows students to build upon their foundational understanding of ICT gained through the diploma and progress to a more advanced level of study and specialisation within the field.

 

Industry Needs

The Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology (GDICT) course at SCI is designed to align with the evolving needs of the ICT industry. In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, there is a growing demand for highly skilled and adaptable ICT professionals who can navigate the complexities of the digital world[1].

The industry requires ICT specialists who possess advanced knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, data management, and ethical considerations. The proposed GDICT course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of ICT principles and emerging technologies. Graduates of this course will possess essential technical skills, capable of designing and implementing IT solutions and managing data effectively. They will excel in clear communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical IT practices.

STRUCTURE

The proposed Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology (GDICT) will have the following delivery structure:

  • 1 year full-time, face to face classroom-based teaching in delivery over 2 semesters;
  • 8 units;
  • No work-based training involved;
  • Each semester will run over 12 weeks;
  • Each unit has 4 contact hours per week broken down into lecture and tutorial components (2 hours lecture + 2 hours tutorial);
  • 20 credit points (cps) per unit;
  • 160 credit points to complete the course.

Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for credit of all their units towards Master of Information and Communications Technology (MICT).

 

Unit Sequence

Year 1
Semester 1
ICT801
Information Systems and Strategy
ICT802
Communication and Networks
ICT803
Programming Concepts
ICT804
Database Design and Development
Semester 2
ICT805
Cybersecurity
ICT806
Corporate Governance, Ethics and Professionalism
ICT807
Web Technologies

ICT808
System Analysis and Design
  • To complete the Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology, the student would need to complete all 8 units. Students are required to complete all of the units listed below to fulfil the requirements of GDICT.
Unit NamePrerequisites Unit
ICT801 Information Systems and StrategyN/A
ICT802 Communication and NetworksN/A
ICT803 Programming ConceptsN/A
ICT804 Database Design and DevelopmentICT801 Information Systems and Strategy
ICT805 CybersecurityICT801 Information Systems and Strategy
ICT804 Database Design and Development
ICT806 Corporate Governance, Ethics and ProfessionalismN/A
ICT807 Web TechnologiesICT801 Information Systems and Strategy
ICT803 Programming Concepts
ICT808 System Analysis and DesignICT804 Database Design and Development

Course learning Outcomes

The Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology has the following learning outcomes that are consistent with the AQF Level 8 qualification:
  • Evaluate emerging trends and technologies in ICT to formulate informed decisions on their adoption and implementation in organisational contexts.
  • Apply ICT principles, processes, tools, and techniques using best practice ICT industry standards and adhering to codes of professional conduct.
  • Design ICT solutions for contemporary business environments by employing appropriate problem solving strategies addressing the evolving needs of organisations.
  • Critically assess ethical, legal, and social implications related to ICT, and develop comprehensive strategies for addressing and mitigating these issues.
  • Exhibit a range of interpersonal and academic skills with a strong emphasis on cultivating these abilities in both independent and collaborative environments.
  • Demonstrate effective written and spoken communication with a variety of professional and non-professional stakeholders and audiences.

Graduate Attributes

The graduates of Southern Cross Institute will have the following attributes:
  • Apply ethical principles to professional decision-making to protect individual rights and human dignity and promote sustainable communities.
  • Apply advanced disciplinary knowledge to address complex social, intellectual and technical problems.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate professional practices, principles, strategies and impacts to enable continuous improvements in service.
  • Generate, adapt and communicate information appropriately to meet the needs of people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
  • Work autonomously, reflectively and collaboratively in professional contexts to advance the needs and interests of stakeholders and community.
  • Use relevant technologies and tools within the structure of the coursework through course teaching modalities and field placements, to conduct quantitative and qualitative research and enhance professional practice.