Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming)

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.

Get a copy of our course guide

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

Intake cancelled

The August 2025 intake for this course has been cancelled. The next available intake is August 2026. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.

Got questions about a course?

Don’t miss our Study Expo – the best place to chat with academics and teaching staff for answers to all your Swinburne questions, from entry requirements to graduation outcomes.

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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

Further education

Diploma of Information Technology

Location options

Hawthorn

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:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

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.

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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.

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)

Discover more (Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development))
Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Discover more (Certificate IV in Cyber Security)

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.

Core units

Elective units

Certificate IV

Indicative nominal course hours: 940

Your units

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming)

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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.

Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about concession rates

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Course code

ICT40120

Apply directly

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Location

Start dates

Upcoming events

Swinburne Study Expo (Wantirna)

28-May-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Hawthorn)

05-June-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Croydon)

11-June-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Intake cancelled

Got questions about a course?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Location options

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming)

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only