Overview

Build in-demand skills with the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming). Learn about object-orientated programming, software analysis, database design, web development, the business applications of A.I tools and how to create mobile apps. Build on these skills and immerse in the industry through workshops, presentations and industry mentorship. 

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Change of Preference Expo

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Front end web development
  • Back-end web development
  • Database design, MS SQL-Server and noSQL
  • HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
  • SQL, PHP and T-SQLT
  • Application Programming and C++

Your career opportunities

  • ICT Support Technician
  • Web Developer
  • Junior Software Developer
  • Analyst Programmer

Location options

Admissions

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Total of 20 units, comprising 7 core units, plus 13 elective units.

  • First term covers introduction to database, intro to programming, version control, and front-end web technologies. You will research and use AI to solve various business problems.
  • Second term you will develop your programming skills with object-oriented programming. At the same time creating dynamically updatable websites by combining further knowledge of databases and back-end web development technologies.
7
Core units
+
13
Elective units
=
Certificate IV

Indicative nominal course hours: 940

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Apply advanced critical thinking to work processes
Core unit
BSBCRT404
Contribute to cyber security risk management
Core unit
BSBXCS404
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and practices
Core unit
ICTICT426
Work collaboratively in the ICT industry
Core unit
ICTICT443
Comply with IP, ethics and privacy policies in ICT environments
Core unit
ICTICT451
Apply introductory programming techniques
Core unit
ICTPRG302
Identify and resolve client ICT problems
Core unit
ICTSAS432
Elective units
Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning
Elective unit
ICTAII401
Determine database requirements
Elective unit
ICTDBS413
Build a database
Elective unit
ICTDBS415
Create basic relational databases
Elective unit
ICTDBS416
Use version control systems in development environments
Elective unit
ICTICT449
Apply introductory object-oriented language skills
Elective unit
ICTPRG430
Test software developments
Elective unit
ICTPRG433
Build a user interface
Elective unit
ICTPRG437
Produce server-side script for dynamic web pages
Elective unit
ICTWEB430
Design website layouts
Elective unit
ICTWEB432
Apply structured query language in relational databases
Elective unit
ICTWEB451
Create a markup language document
Elective unit
ICTWEB452
Apply introductory programming skills in different languages
Elective unit
ICTPRG440

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$11,480

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$5,350

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
ICT40120
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
August Intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
04-August-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
August Intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
Course and Career One-on-ones
25-November-2024
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024