This degree is only available to Australian students
You're an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Please remember your residency (the country you are currently in) has no impact on whether you are an Australian or International student.
Associate Degree in Information Technology
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your
circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each
of the relevant criteria.Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:Higher education study
- Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study over a higher education
program at a recognised higher education provider
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience (for domestic students only)
- Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
- Completed a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Qualify for Special Entry
OR
Recent secondary education
- Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or
international qualification
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None - Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study over a higher education
Degree overview
- Fast-track your IT career with industry-recognised qualifications in just two years.
- Learn the fundamentals of computer programming and software development to feel at home with any system.
- Enhance your problem-solving skills using design thinking and digital innovation principles.
- Discover data analytics and how you can get, process, and visualise data to guide decision-making and help organisations thrive.
- Gain the skills to design, implement and test software systems in small-medium businesses.
- Learn basic web development and user experience principles and processes.
- Evaluate the impact of cybersecurity threats and learn the basics of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography to help protect organisational data.
Snapshot
Jump start your IT career with industry-recognised qualifications in just two years – this broad and generalist IT associate degree will allow you to take your career in several different directions. You’ll learn the fundamentals of IT, like computer hardware and software systems, basic programming and cloud concepts, as well as data analytics and cyber security principles.
Employers will demand over 520,000 more ICT qualifications in 2026.1 In this degree you’ll gain critical problem-solving skills that will help you to design systems and solutions that keep user experience front-of-mind and clients happy. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise by choosing to minor in either information technology or data analytics to deepen your knowledge.
Take full control over your study with this 100% online Associate Degree in IT designed specifically for online learning. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
Study with a university ranked top 10 in Australia for graduate skills in IT2 and graduate with the qualification and skills to step into an IT career with confidence.
1Australia’s Digital Pulse - Computer Society, 2021.
2Ranked #8, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.
What you'll learn
The Associate Degree in IT will give you critical skills to prepare you for a career specialising in system design, programming, data analytics and IT security.
You’ll learn:
- the historical contexts of computing, including hardware structure, operating systems, and basic programming concepts
- about cloud models, security, and architecture and how to compare different cloud systems
- cyber security practices, including the principles of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography and the roles and responsibilities of cyber security professionals
- to put theory into practice in simulated workplace environments.
As well as the fundamentals of IT, you’ll be able to choose electives in areas like data acquisition and wrangling, data driven web technologies and object-oriented programming.
You’ll also get the opportunity to participate in a design studio where you’ll work to design a viable product and bring it to a client, gaining effective team management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills along the way.
Sometimes how you learn to study is as important as what you study. In your first term, the Critical Approaches to Online Learning course will help you prepare for university success and further study. You’ll choose an IT topic to investigate and then learn how to summarise academic articles, critically analyse texts, generate ideas, write reports and demonstrate academic integrity. We’ll also introduce you to the many digital tools available to help you succeed in study. Already uni ready? You’ll have the option to choose an elective instead.
1 Australian Cyber Security Centre, Annual Cyber Threat Report 2021–22, Australian Government, 2022.
Study hours
Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.
Some of your assessments may include:
- an industry-relevant project
- an online presentation
- essays and reports.
Why Associate Degree in Information Technology
An associate degree helps you get industry-recognised qualifications, fast.
You’ll have the chance to quickly transition to a new IT career or advance if you’re already working in the sector. Plus, you’ll also be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Information Technology with up to 72 units of credit. This means you could hold a bachelor degree as well, with just one more year of study.
UniSA delivers world-class research in Information Technology1 and Computing and Information Systems2, and is home to world-leading research centres including the Future Industries Institute, Innovation and Collaboration Centre and Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments.
What does this mean for you?
You’ll learn from the best of the best, with UniSA academics integrating research discoveries into your course curriculum. You’ll also be using the latest technology and software so you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
1 Results in Information and Computing Sciences -2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2 Results in Distributed Computing and Information Systems -2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Your career
This is a broad and generalist IT associate degree allowing you to take your career in several different directions.
IT workers are in high demand as the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated technology uptake. With remote working also on the rise, organisational IT systems are under more pressure than ever. Every organisation today needs a team of IT and computer experts to keep its systems running.
This associate degree will help you pursue a career in IT and gain access to entry level positions in almost every industry sector, such as:
- data analyst database
- administrator
- IT consultant
- web administrator
- system analyst
1 National Skills Commission, The State of Australia’s Skills 2021
Industry facts
Your study experience and support
Study On Demand
Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.
- Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
- Choose from four start dates in January, April, June and September
- Learn in 10-week blocks
- Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
- Access learning resources 24/7
- View course content before your term starts
- Work while you study
- Plan your study schedule ahead of time
- Fast-track your studies and receive credit for past study and/or work experience.
Why UniSA Online?
Our graduates get jobs
UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.
Specifically designed for online learning
Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.
Backed by industry
Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.
Expand your professional network from wherever you are
Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.
1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.
Student support
Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it.
Dedicated Student Adviser support
Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.
Online academic support seven days a week
You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
24/7 tech support
Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.
24/7 digital environment
Our interactive online environment is a one-stop shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.
Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.
IT Requirements
As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:
- run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
- run Java
- run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
- use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
- Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.
Access free IT software and resources
As a UniSA Online student, you'll:
- Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible).
- Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them.
- Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
- Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.
There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.
Check your device
Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.
See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
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Check your eligibility
Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions. -
Gather your relevant documents
If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.
In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.
Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password. -
Complete your application and send through your documents
In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Information Technology)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- UniSA Online UniStart
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September. There are key application dates for each term. If you're looking to apply for credit, there are different closing dates you need to be aware of, so it's always best to double check. Key dates can be found at unisaonline.edu.au/key-dates.
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Do I have to be online at set times?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has online exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses may also require you to speak to your academics via phone or online communication channels at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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What academic support is available?
Our academics are available seven days a week, including weeknights. Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing, and can answer any other course-specific queries.
You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
If you need after-hours learning support, Studiosity is a great resource that can help you with your writing, academic language, grammar and referencing. You’ll also be able to chat online with a Studiosity online adviser.
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How is my degree structured?
Full-time students study two courses each term. It makes earning a degree completely achievable, especially if you’re working. Your degree is delivered over four terms each year. Each term runs for ten weeks with two-week breaks in between each term.
You’ll also have the option to go part-time, or switch between the two. If you need to take a break in your study, that’s an option too. We recommend speaking to your Student Adviser who can help you update your study plan and check when your courses are offered.
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What career prospects do I have with my university qualification?
Our degrees are designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers and professional associations, and informed by the latest developments in your field. You will graduate with in demand skills and up-to-date knowledge required by industry.
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. UniSA's online students have graduate employment rates well above the national average.*
UniSA Online qualifications follow the same Government Higher Education Standards Framework as our on-campus degrees. The parchment you receive at the end of your degree will be the same as any other University of South Australia student.
*UniSA External UG full-time employment rate 83% Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you gain from each mode of study is the same – it's how you get there that's different. When you study online, everything from your course material to weekly activities and assessments are fully online. You'll communicate with academic staff and students via live messages, online discussion forums and email.
Studying on campus requires students to physically come on to campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. On-campus students have face-to-face contact with academics and fellow students and also communicate via email and online discussion boards.
Distance Education involves physical course material packages being sent to students, usually print based but occasionally audio or video. Communication is usually via telephone, mail and email. In today’s digital era, distance education has been superseded by online education.
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