Step into a software development career!
Go beyond programming and take a step towards a lasting career in software development. Gain advanced knowledge and valuable experience in an industry- standard learning environment with the latest technology.
All Diploma level studies include: cyber security awareness, working in teams, client management skills, and ethics and privacy.
This qualification is also offered part-time. Use the get help form below to start a discussion with our training area.
This course is not available to study by applicants outside of WA.
With South Metro TAFE partnering with Oracle and Microsoft, we can ensure the latest software and technology is included in this course.
Specialist facilities on-campus
The Centre for IT Excellence (CITE) provides state of the art, industry relevant training in information technology and creative media. We provide pathways from foundation studies to advanced diploma with specialist training in cyber security, networking, programming and digital media.
- develop complex business applications
- gain advanced knowledge of Java, C#, Python
- design and develop SQL and noSQL databases
- use Agile development techniques
In order to make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you must take into account the essential skills and knowledge required to undertake this study.
- ability to work well with others and good communication skills
- good time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and meet dealines
- interest in keeping up with new technologies and industry trends
- be technically minded
This course remains FEE FREE in 2024! The course fees are 100 per cent subsidised by the WA State Government for WA residents.
Some eligibility conditions apply for the free training, and other fees may apply for some courses. Please see the FAQs on our Skills Ready page for further information.
* Please note that eligibility requirements apply to some of the free training.
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
Before commencing the Diploma you should have these skills:
- programming experience using the constructs of sequence, selection and iteration
- basic data structures (arrays)
- basic text and binary file input/output
- user interface principles
- a programming language such as C#, Java, Python, or C
If you do not have these skills then the Certificate IV in Information Technology should be completed first.
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3 days per week across two semesters.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete 25% extra of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
There is no work placement required for this course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen and exercise book).
All students will need to supply 1 Terabyte (1 TB) USB 3.0 external drive for storing software images and virtual machine files that are too large for storing on cloud storage.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
- Normal business/computing office attire applies.
Students who complete the Certificate IV Information Technology (Programming) can progress to this course and complete in one semester, full time, due to an overlap in units. Other students will require two semesters to complete the diploma.
Become a specialist in your field with university study
The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.
Curtin University
This course has a study pathway to Curtin University(opens in a new tab) .
- Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications)
- Bachelor of Science (Computing)
Edith Cowan University
This course has a study pathway to Edith Cowan University(opens in a new tab) .
- Bachelor of Information Technology(opens in a new tab) (U67) - 8 units, 2 years
- Bachelor of Computer Science(opens in a new tab) (U65) - 8 units, 2 years
- Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security)(opens in a new tab) (Y89) - 8 units, 2 years
Murdoch University
This course has a study pathway to Murdoch University(opens in a new tab) .
- Bachelor of Information Technology(opens in a new tab) (B1390) in Artificial Intelligences and Autonomous Systems(opens in a new tab) , Business Information Systems(opens in a new tab) , Computer Science(opens in a new tab) , Cyber Security and Forensics(opens in a new tab) , Games Technology(opens in a new tab) , Games Software Design and Production, Internetworking and Network Security(opens in a new tab) , Mobile and Web Application Development - 24 credit points
- Bachelor of Science in Internetworking & Network Security (B1317) - 24 credit points
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile & Web Application Development (B1317) - 24 credit points
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2024
Murdoch - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Murdoch |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Murdoch - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Murdoch |
| How | On Campus |