3 common barriers to studying postgrad IT and how to overcome them

Graduate Certificate vs Graduate Diploma vs Master of IT: Which one is right for you?

QUT’s postgraduate IT suite helps professionals move into, move up or specialise in technology with practical skills, flexible pathways and more affordable study options through Commonwealth Supported Places.

1. Start with a Graduate Certificate if you’re new to IT or testing the waters.
2. Step into a Graduate Diploma if you want to specialise faster.
3. Choose the Master of IT if you want advanced capability, broader career options and deeper industry-connected learning.

"I'm interested in IT, but I don't know if I have the right background."

Many postgraduate IT students at QUT are career changers or professionals from non-IT backgrounds, just like you.

QUT's Graduate Certificate in Information Technology is positioned as a starting point for people wanting to build core IT knowledge, with entry pathways that include a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline, a relevant diploma plus experience, or significant professional IT experience.

The Graduate Certificate is a low-risk entry point into IT. You will build foundations in programming, web development, systems design and security before deciding whether to continue into the Graduate Diploma or Master of IT.

"I'm worried about the cost and time commitment."

Cost is a major consideration when you explore your postgraduate study options. At QUT, we currently have Commonwealth Supported Places for the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and Master of Information Technology, with savings of more than 60% on these courses.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places at QUT.

We also know that time commitment is important for working professionals. The graduate certificate can be completed in 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time, while the graduate diploma can be completed in 6–12 months full-time or 1–2 years part-time.

"I need proof this will lead to practical, job-ready skills."

We know you are motivated by career outcomes and might be cautious about whether a postgraduate qualification will translate into employability. Here's how we address that at QUT.

When you study postgraduate IT programs at QUT, you access practical, industry-connected learning. QUT's Master of IT includes project-based and industry-oriented learning. For example, postgraduate IT students at QUT joined forces with Dr Priyanka Naidu and William Smith-Stubbs from Mettlesome to explore digital technologies to enhance mental well-being through mood tracking.

The Graduate Diploma in IT also highlights project-based units, real-world and research-inspired problems, professional communication skills, and specialisations in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software development, and IT management.