Information technology courses online
Plug into the growing field of IT with a reputable qualification that you can take online.
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Are you the type that can eat terabytes for breakfast?
As computer innovation continues to expand in exciting new ways, a career in information technology, or IT, can offer consistent employment with room to explore new territory.
From the fascinating growth of artificial intelligence to the rising need for cybersecurity specialists, it's clear that society relies on computer technology.
We've scoured the networks and found the best online courses that could power up your career prospects with an IT qualification.
Where can I find IT courses online?
What IT courses are available to study online?
Here are just some of the online IT courses available.
Check out Training.com.au, Udemy, Shortcourses.com.au and for a more detailed look at what courses are available.
Short courses
Gain an introduction to the field of IT or add some new software skills to your resume with one of these short courses.
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| IT Career Starter Collection | Course length: Self-paced up to 120 hours Subjects include: How to become an IT professional, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network +, Microsoft 365 | |
| Information Technology Essentials | Course length: 3.5 hours Subjects include: Computer hardware, Introduction to programming, Cloud computing and IT career information | |
| The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2020 | Course length: 3 hours Subjects include: Hardware 101, Networking 101, Websites, programming, databases and the Internet | |
| IT Security and Ethical Hacking | Course length: 26 hours Subjects include: Introduction to ethical hacking, Penetration testing, Vulnerability assessment and Footprinting | |
| Full Stack Web Developer | Course length: 6 months with 14 months access Subjects include: Responsive design, Wireframing, UX, Version control and Administration | |
| Managing Modern Desktops | Course length: 5 days Subjects include: Implementing Windows 10, Device enrolment, Configuring profiles, Planning an operating system deployment strategy |
|
| Programming for the Web with JavaScript | Course length: 4 weeks, 6 to 8 hours per week Subjects include: Web programming basics, Using JavaScript to create dynamic web pages, Building scalable web apps with server-side JavaScript | |
| Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) | Course length: 6 weeks, 2 to 3 hours per week Subjects include: Understand what constitutes as IoT, Design solutions, Start to grow the seeds of IoT ideas within your field | |
| MicroBachelors Program in Programming and Data Structures | Course length: 9 months, 6 to 8 hours per week Subjects include: Programming development lifecycle, Document and format code, Programming methodologies, Design and develop programs |
Certificates
You can get a start in the industry by taking a certificate level course. These can open up opportunities including as a client support officer or computer technician.
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Information Technology | Course length: 18 months Subjects include: Work in a team, Identify IP, ethics and privacy policies, Provide ICT advice to clients | |
| Certificate IV in Information Technology (Systems Admin Support) | Course length: 18 months Subjects include: Contribute to cybersecurity risk management, Work collaboratively in the ICT industry, Identify and resolve client ICT problems | |
| Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming) | Course length: 18 months Subjects include: Cybersecurity risk management, Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and practices, Apply introductory programming techniques | |
| Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development) | Course length: 18 months Subjects include: Advanced critical thinking for work processes, Apply introductory programming techniques, Identify and resolve client ICT problems |
Diplomas
For a more comprehensive course, a diploma can get you started in careers like web developer, information security specialist, IT project manager and more.
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Information Technology | Course length: 15 months Subjects include: Gather data to identify business requirements, Install and upgrade operating systems, Determine best-fit topology for a local network | |
| Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineering) | Course length: 24 months Subjects include: Originate and develop concepts, Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation, Manage client problems |
Bachelor degrees
To establish yourself as a fully qualified IT professional, you may want to take a bachelor's degree which could open up pathways to working as a cybersecurity specialist, UX designer, security analyst and much more.
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Applied Information Technology | Course length: 3 years, 25 hours per week on average Subjects include: Information systems, Information technology fundamentals, Programming environment, Sustainability practices in information technology | |
| Bachelor of Applied Cloud Technology | Course length: 3 years, 30 hours per week on average Subjects include: Architecting on the cloud, System operations on the cloud, Big data on the cloud | |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | Course length: 3 years full time, 6 years part time. Subjects include: Introduction to programming, Database concepts, User-centred design, Professional computing practice |
|
Postgraduate study
A master's in information technology or computer science can create opportunities to work in roles including software architect, software tester, programmer or research team leader.
| Course | Information | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Information Technology | Course length: 1-2 years full time, 2-4 years part time Subjects include: Database and information retrieval, Web technologies and development, Applied software engineering, Enterprise applications development |
|
| Master of Computer Science | Course length: 2 years Subjects include: Software project management, Computer networks and information security, User experience and interaction design |
|
What's the difference between information technology and computer science?
In a nutshell, a career in information technology involves installing, maintaining and updating computer systems, databases and networks. Jobs in this area might include IT support officers and working at an IT service desk.
A career in computer science often includes web development or design, software engineer roles and software development.
Who should take an online IT course?
An online IT course can benefit anyone, from those who want an introduction to the IT field to working professionals who want to upgrade their skills or gain a postgraduate qualification.
Too busy to attend classes at a college or university? Or maybe you live in an area where you don't have a huge choice of study options available? An online course brings your class right to your living room. You can have the freedom to study around your schedule and watch recorded lectures at times that suit you.
A short course through Udemy or , for example, can either act as a precursor to further study or train you in a new software or technique.
On the other hand, you can establish a solid foundation as an IT professional with a bachelor's degree or expand your career horizons with postgraduate study, such as a Master of Computer Science.
What topics may be covered in an online IT course?
Online IT courses offer a wide range of topics in the field of computer technology and data processing.
A short course could cover:
- Programs, data and the Internet
- Software and systems
- Cloud computing
- Penetration testing
- Disaster recovery and risk management
- Installing and configuring Python
- Using JavaScript
- Coding
- Data handling and functions
- Packages and multithreading
An accredited course such as a certificate, diploma or degree may include:
- Cybersecurity
- IP, ethics and privacy policies in IT environments
- Managing client problems
- Coordination of IT projects
- Information systems
- Data and information management
- User-centred design
- Systems analysis
- Ethics and professional practice
- Web technologies and development
- Software engineering
- Project management
- Programming principles
- Artificial intelligence
- Scripting language
How long does an online IT course take to complete?
A short online course could range from a 30-minute video lesson to 6 months or more for a structured course with core modules.
You could study to become a web developer with Learning People through Shortcourses.com.au. This course can be completed in 6 months of focused study, but you'll have access to the material for 14 months.
For tertiary level qualifications such as a certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree, you'll need to set aside anywhere from 18 months for a Certificate IV in Information Technology or up to 3 years or more to complete a Bachelor of Information Technology.
What are the career opportunities after taking an IT course?
If you take a certificate, diploma or higher level IT qualification online, you'll set yourself up in a field that continues to grow in opportunities.
You don't necessarily need to complete a bachelor's degree to become a web developer or gain employment in information technology. A Certificate IV or diploma could lead to opportunities such as:
- Computer technician
- Client support officer (ICT)
- Web developer
- ICT manager
- ICT systems administrator
- Web design
With a bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification, your capabilities can expand into:
- Business intelligence consultant
- Network engineer
- Systems architect
- Application, software or game developer
- Analyst programmer
- Web developer
- UX designer
- Multimedia designer or developer
- Augmented reality creator
- Security architect
- Database manager
- Cloud support engineer
- Cybersecurity specialist
What equipment and software will I need?
It goes without saying that you'll need a desktop or laptop computer and good Internet connection as a minimum to study your online IT course, but you may also need additional software to assist with completing your course.
See the latest deals for online IT courses
Deal
IT courses from $25.81
Learn the ins and outs of information technology. Sample price is for a course on digital banking and information technology in banks. Other courses include IT governance, information technology infrastructure and more. T&Cs apply.
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Get free course guides and career advice on IT
Get free course guides and expert advice to help you have a good head start in a career in information technology. T&Cs apply.
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Find the perfect IT course for you
Choose a short course on information technology from Australia's leading online providers. Courses include networking career starter, cyber security risk and strategy, developing AI strategy and more. T&Cs apply.
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Get the latest resources and expert career advice on IT
Sign up for a course from Australia's best TAFEs, colleges and universities and get the latest advice and resources to help you with your career in information technology. T&Cs apply.
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Earn degree courses online with FutureLearn
Available to courses like business management, nutrition, nursing, language, psychology, pharmacy, data science, social media and more. T&Cs apply.
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Ask an Expert
I am looking forward to study information and communication technology in Australia. What would you recommend and how do I go about it?
Hi Oluwatosin,
Thank you for leaving a question.
This is a very promising course that could yield great jobs in the future. To decide which career path to take, it would be best to consult the schools in the list above.
Please note that we are a product comparison website, therefore, we are not in the position to give a recommendation. We’re here to provide you with general information on things that will assist you in your decisions. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I’m interested in heading into data and business analysis type roles. I’m highly skilled in computing but want the career change. What would you recommend
Hi Adrianna!
Thanks for getting in touch!
This new career that you’re looking into has a lot of opportunities in the future. To decide which career path to take, it would be best to consult the schools in the list above.
Please note that we are a product comparison website, therefore, we are not in the position to give a recommendation. We’re here to provide you with general information on things that will assist you in your decisions.
Hope this clarifies!
Cheers,
Nikki