There are many IT diploma courses to choose from in Australia. Your choice will determine your career path to a great extent. That is why you have to make a number of important decisions before you even get to compare different programs available.

Standard IT diploma course or a university pathway course

Standard programs include only advanced IT diploma subjects. You will also have specialization subjects. A university pathway program includes both certificate IV and diploma level subjects. Basically, with such a program, you will learn the basics first and get to develop advanced skills later on.

It should be pointed out that both types of programs bring you transfer credits that you can use towards a bachelor's degree program in information technology. A standard course will usually bring you credits worth one year of degree study. A university pathway course will allow you to transfer credits towards a year and a half of university education. This means that you can start from the fourth semester.

Which is the better IT diploma course option? Students are recommended to earn both certificate IV and a diploma, especially if they have no previous knowledge in information technology. Even if you choose the standard program, you may be asked to take most of the certificate IV subjects so that you can do well in the more advanced ones. If you have previous knowledge and experience in information technology, completing a diploma program should be perfectly sufficient for you.

What specialization to take

IT diploma programs are designed to give students specialization in one of the areas of information technology. These include networking, computer systems operations and programming. Specialization is common for diploma programs because they are designed to prepare the student for a specific profession and for the work tasks involved in this profession.

You should choose specialization in line with your personal interests and future goals. If you are keen on programming, then this should be your specialization choice. You should consider the benefits that you will get as a graduate as well. If you specialize in systems administration, you will find it easier to get an entry-level position and a mid-level position as an IT manager. However, specialization in programming may restrict you to entry-level positions only as programmers have to have experience and/or higher educational qualifications to advance in their field.

Where to study

You should consider carefully the location of the school when choosing an IT diploma course. Students in large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have better chances of securing a well-paid job with company in the information technology industry, the manufacturing or commerce industry. You should definitely be suspicious of distance learning courses in information technology. In order to be excellently prepared for jobs in the IT sector, students need to learn in a classroom environment with direct access to hardware and software systems.

Now you can use practical advice to help you make these three important choices when it comes to IT diploma courses. Remember that the program curriculum, the teaching staff and the reputability of the college are also essential factors when choosing between programs.