Graduate Diploma in Computer Science

Course code: 0362 + Course abbreviation: GradDipCompSc + Total credit points required: 48 + 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

The course has been developed in response to a steady stream of requests from potential students currently in industry, for a diploma-level course in computer science to broaden and develop computing skills and knowledge for specific vocational and occupational outcomes.

This course is open to applicants with a first degree in any field other than computing, computer science, information science or equivalent. Intending students should note that the entry requirements require some prior knowledge in computer programming using Java or C++ and assume applicants will have knowledge of mathematics equivalent to at least two first-year units.

Students completing the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science are eligible to apply to upgrade their knowledge and qualifications to honours level.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements are:

(a) a degree that is recognised as equivalent to an Australian bachelors degree.

(b) a knowledge of computer programming at the introductory level.

Applicants who do not have an appropriate degree or diploma will be considered only if their training and experience are judged to be of high quality and to provide a suitable alternative to the normal entry requirement. Applicants without mathematics or knowledge of Java or C++ may be required to undertake foundation studies to attain the necessary standards – the points for these foundation units will not be counted towards the graduate diploma. In all cases of special entry, employer support and endorsement will be highly valued. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited to 25 per cent.

Course structure

The course consists of 48 points of second and third-year computer science units.

Part-time students are recommended to take 24 points of second-year units during the first year of study and 24 points of third-year units (which includes the third-year project) during the second year of study and must include (all units 6 points):

FIT2004 Algorithms and data structures
FIT2014 Theory of computation
FIT3036 Computer Science project, or FIT3038 Software Engineering project

Besides the above, students choose four other units, where at least three units must be at third-year level, from the Bachelor of Computer Science approved elective list.

Professional recognition

The Faculty of Information Technology has applied for accreditation in 2007 for the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) which may enable graduates of the course to be eligible for professional-level membership of the ACS.

Contact details

Course coordinator

Dr Peter Tischer

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