Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
AUD $ 4,800
Domestic Student
*Limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for domestic students only. Annual fees are subject to change and are dependent on selected units. For more information on CSPs, see below.
Course overview
Gain a solid grounding in computer science
Designed for IT professionals looking to deepen their expertise in core areas of computing, this course focuses on strengthening your design and problem-solving capabilities. These skills are essential for analysing complex digital systems and developing effective solutions.
You’ll engage with areas of computer science, including programming, app development, information and security. The curriculum pays equal attention to front-end and back-end work, ensuring your development of versatile skills. With a focus on critical thinking and solution design, you will learn to assess and justify the best approaches for real-world issues.
Delivered through a fully online model, the course offers flexibility for working professionals. It also provides credit toward the Master of Information Technology (Computer Science), giving you a pathway to further specialisation. Graduates with relevant industry experience may also be eligible to seek membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), adding professional recognition to their credentials.
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science with QUT Online.
Why this course
The Graduate Certificate in Computer Science gives you an understanding of the core principles underlying computer science. The skills you acquire in this course are highly transferable and sought after in a host of public and private-sector industries.
Study your way
Study full-time or part-time to suit your needs
Career growth
This course opens the door to great career opportunities
Rankings
QUT is in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2025
Course units
Students need to complete a total of 48 credit points:
2 – Core units
3 – Core options
12 credit points
12 credit points
Choose two of the following units
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science with the following:
6-month program
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) in information technology or related discipline
or
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline, with three years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in an information technology related field
or
- A completed diploma (or higher qualification) in information technology or related discipline, with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in a relevant area
or
- Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in information technology or related are
Course outcomes
Graduates of this course develop a versatile and creative digital skill set, enabling them to develop and implement ICT solutions tailored to discipline-specific challenges. The course cultivates advanced knowledge of computer science, with a strong emphasis on its practical application in organisational and business contexts. Through a focus on critical thinking and solution design, you’ll learn to evaluate business practices and investment strategies, contributing meaningfully to business improvement initiatives.
Skills and tools in this course
- Problem-solving
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the computer science discipline
- Core Body of Knowledge
- Critically analyse complex problems and generate creative solutions
- Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts
Visual Studio
Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft used to create powerful and scalable applications, programs and websites. It allows you to use almost any programming language to edit code, create designs and debug applications on your preferred platforms and devices. Join the millions of developers worldwide using Visual Studio’s flexible and collaborative features.
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a public cloud platform that is used for virtual computing, analytics, storage, networking and much more. Azure is comprised of more than 200 products and cloud services, and is fast becoming a central platform for industries to innovate their technological capabilities, including healthcare, financial services and banking, manufacturing, gaming, retail and government.
Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is a web-based interactive development environment for notebooks, code and data. It has a flexible interface that allows you to configure and arrange workflows in data science, scientific computing, computational journalism and machine learning. Jupyter Notebooks is used by large companies such as Trivago, Delivery Hero and Yelp.
Node.js
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform server environment that has grown in popularity in the last few years thanks to its easy and efficient features. According to W3Techs, Node.js is used by 1.2 per cent of all websites (over 20 million websites) and that number is only going to rise. An understanding of Node.js is vital to have in your pocket as web development continues to modernise.
Potential career opportunities
Programmer
Write, test, and modify programming code to create and manage software.
-
Average Salary
$120,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+27%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Systems engineer
Ensure components within a system are working together to achieve a desired function.
-
Average Salary
$120,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+22.2%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Network architect
Plan, design and implement data communication networks that meet the organisation's needs.
-
Average Salary
$180,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
, 2025
Information technology specialist
Analyse, test, troubleshoot and evaluate existing network systems and software applications to achieve business or IT goals.
-
Average Salary
$135,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
5/5
, 2025
Click to learn more about the student hub! | Duration 3:53
How online study works
Learn in your own way
Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.
- Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
- The easy application and enrolment process
- Alignment with career aspirations
What our students say
I chose to study at a postgraduate level online due to flexibility. Studying online has given me the ability to live on the Sunshine Coast without the commute to Brisbane, giving me more time to focus on studying and working part-time. I love the option to study on the beach!Tayla, Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
Ready to apply?
Apply for your dream qualification by filling out our application form, or speak with one of our Course Consultants on 1300 104 196 to discover the right study option for you.
Information Technology (IT)
Is a Master’s in Computer Science the right choice for you?
Find out if studying a master in computer science online is the right move for your career. Learn how studying online can offer you new employment opportunities, better pay in the short term, and how more expertise leads to better outcomes over time.
The benefits of earning your computer science degree online
How can you learn computer science effectively while working full-time and balancing other commitments? Find out how QUT has made online study easy.
Lifelong learning in the age of automation
As technology evolves and career pathways change, lifelong learning has become increasingly important. By upskilling for the future of work today, you will set yourself up for a dynamic career in the workplaces of tomorrow.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, completed units in this Graduate Certificate can be used as credit towards the Graduate Diploma in IT (Computer Science) and the Master of IT (Computer Science).
Visual Studio; Microsoft Azure; Jupyter Notebook; Node.js; React; React Native.
Yes, in this course you will develop a greater understanding of problem-solving, abstraction, design, teamwork concepts and issues through ACS’s Core Body of ICT Knowledge (CBoK).
Yes, CSPs are available for all Information Technology courses, including bootcamps. CSPs allow domestic students to have a significant portion of their university or higher education fees subsidised by the Australian government.
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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.
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