ICT50220 Diploma in Information Technology
(Advanced Programming / Back End Web)
Build on existing programming skills to make complex real world applications
With your mentor increase your depth of knowledge and understanding of software development in the cloud, on the web, in mobile apps, and desktop apps using AI to speed up your development cycles
For students ready to build larger systems
The Diploma pathway is designed for learners who want to extend beyond first-step programming and work on more substantial software projects: applications with databases, interfaces, APIs, testing, data inputs, mobile features and deployment decisions.
Students develop practical applications across desktop, web, data and mobile environments while using Git to manage project assets and build a visible body of work.
The course outline brings together advanced programming, back-end web development, database design, REST APIs, software testing, cyber security awareness, team leadership and production deployment skills.
Project clusters with real technical weight
The Diploma is structured around four practical learning clusters. Each cluster pushes students to combine programming with the surrounding skills that make applications usable, testable and deployable.
Block 1: Scripting and application thinking
Develop concepts, manage client problems, apply advanced programming in another language, use object-oriented techniques and design databases.
Portfolio build: Develop a client-style Python application that turns a brief into a working data-driven tool with clear requirements, database design and user-facing outputs.
Block 2: Web systems and quality
Integrate databases with websites, plan information architecture, apply quality assurance, test software and work with IP, ethics and privacy expectations.
Portfolio build: Build a hosted SaaS-style website with member and admin areas, database integration, quality checks and a professional deployment workflow.
Block 3: APIs, data and dashboards
Promote cyber security awareness, lead and facilitate teamwork, create REST APIs, gather and verify data, and use model view controller frameworks.
Portfolio build: Create an executive dashboard that combines verified data from multiple sources and REST APIs into clear, decision-ready visual information.
Block 4: Mobile, NoSQL and deployment
Build advanced user interfaces, develop mobile multi-touch applications, manage NoSQL persistence, align ICT work to strategy and deploy applications.
Portfolio build: Deploy a mobile-connected application using Android Studio, Java or Kotlin, MongoDB persistence and a lightweight web front end.
What students study
The qualification includes core units, two software development specialisations and selected electives.
Core units
- BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
- BSBXCS402 Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
- BSBXTW401 Lead and facilitate a team
- ICTICT517 Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation
- ICTICT532 Apply IP, ethics and privacy in ICT environments
- ICTSAS527 Manage client problems
Advanced programming specialisation
- ICTPRG535 Build advanced user interfaces
- ICTPRG547 Apply advanced programming skills in another language
- ICTPRG549 Apply intermediate object-oriented language skills
- ICTPRG554 Manage data persistence using NoSQL data stores
- ICTPRG556 Implement and use a model view controller framework
Back-end web development specialisation
- ICTWEB522 Develop website information architecture
- ICTWEB525 Implement quality assurance process for websites
- ICTDBS507 Integrate databases with websites
- ICTPRG553 Create and develop REST APIs
- ICTPRG554 Manage data persistence using NoSQL data stores (duplicate from Advanced Programming)
Electives
- ICTDBS506 Design databases
- ICTPRG551 Apply testing techniques for software development
- ICTPRG534 Deploy applications to production environments
- ICTDAT501 Gather, analyse and verify data from different source inputs
- ICTPRG603 Develop advanced mobile multi-touch applications
Skills students build
- Advanced programming, object-oriented application design and user interface development
- Database design, website database integration, NoSQL persistence and data verification
- Back-end web development, REST API creation, MVC frameworks and SaaS-style builds
- Software testing, website quality assurance and production deployment
- Cyber security awareness, team leadership, strategic ICT alignment, ethics, privacy and IP obligations
- Mobile application development and Git-based project portfolio management
How training is delivered
This course is delivered online through the Automation Skills learning platform, with scheduled online training sessions and webinars supported by structured self-study. Training and assessment take place in a virtual environment. Students should allow approximately 10 hours per week for training, independent study, practical activities and assessment, and have up to two years to complete the course.
Scheduled Online Training
Take part in scheduled online sessions and webinars with trainer guidance.
Structured Self-Study
Complete reading, research, advanced coding and project work using the guidance provided for each unit.
Practical Virtual Activities
Work through individual tasks, small-group discussions and scenario-based exercises, including simulated workplace activities where appropriate.
Digital Learning Resources
Access unit outlines, reference materials, audiovisual resources and assessment information through the learning platform.
Entry requirements and suitability checklist
The Diploma is a stronger fit for students who already have foundation IT or programming confidence and are ready for larger application builds.
- Programming level: Best suited to students who understand basic programming concepts or have completed relevant foundation study.
- Technical readiness: Students should be comfortable installing development tools, using online systems and managing project files.
- Study time: Students should allow approximately 10 hours per week for training, independent study, substantial coding, testing, documentation and assessment tasks.
- Project mindset: Students should be ready to work through ambiguity, troubleshoot errors and improve applications over time.
- Pathway fit: Students unsure about their readiness should ask about suitability, RPL, credit transfer or whether the Certificate IV is a better starting point.
Is this the right level?
This course is better suited to students who already have some foundation IT or programming confidence and want to take on larger application builds. It may suit students progressing from a Certificate IV pathway or people with relevant workplace, study or self-directed coding experience.
You will need
- Reliable internet access and a computer suitable for programming, database and application development
- Time to complete substantial practical projects and portfolio work
- Willingness to install and work with development tools across web, data and mobile environments
- A Unique Student Identifier (USI) for nationally recognised training
Student support and reasonable adjustments
Support needs are identified during enrolment and can be discussed with Automation Skills before training begins.
- Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital LiteracyWe review whether support may be needed for course participation and assessment.
- Reasonable AdjustmentsAdjustments for disability or learning difficulty are considered individually and must preserve the requirements of each unit.
- Examples of SupportWhere appropriate, support may include adaptive technology, educational support, additional assessment time or an alternative assessment method.
- External ReferralsIf support cannot be provided directly, we may discuss referral to a third party. Any additional cost or service limitation will be explained before enrolment.
Tell us what you need: Describe any support or adjustment needs in the enrolment form, or contact Automation Skills before applying.
Fees and payment
Pay as you learn with manageable weekly payments of $95. The maximum course fee is $9,880, based on the maximum 104 weeks payment period.
Move faster. Build more. Pay less
Pay just $95 per week while you study—without being locked into the maximum course fee.
Complete all required units in approximately 52 weeks and you could pay around $4,940 instead of the $9,880 maximum.
Some providers may still require you to pay the full course fee if you withdraw or decide the course is not right for you.
With Automation Skills, you may withdraw at any time and future weekly course-fee payments will stop.
If you withdraw, you will be issued a Statement of Attainment for every unit you have successfully completed.
Talk to us if you would like us to explain how early completion, withdrawal or your final payment works. Review our Fees, Cancellations, Withdrawals and Refunds policy for the full conditions.
Pathways, recognition and next steps
The Diploma pathway supports students who want to build higher-level programming and web development skills for further study, portfolio development or technology roles where practical application development experience is valued.
Students with relevant prior study, skills or workplace experience can ask about recognition of prior learning or credit transfer during the enrolment process.
Ready to apply for the Diploma?
Start your application now, or ask us about suitability, availability and study expectations before you apply.