Graduate Certificate of Software Development
YOUR TECH CAREER STARTS HERE
On-Campus
Ideal for students who thrive in a face-to-face environment with access to studios, peers, and in-person support.
- Includes 2 hours of weekly on-campus classes plus 1 hour of national content (online or asynchronous).
- Classes run Monday to Friday, morning, afternoon, and evening, with access to digital resources and support.
- Perfect for hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-time feedback.
National Expertise
No matter how you study, you’ll learn from SAE’s national team of expert, industry-aligned faculty.
- Access top educators and specialists across Australia, wherever they’re based.
- Benefit from national masterclasses, guest lectures, and collaborative learning.
- Tap into deep industry knowledge that goes beyond your local campus.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $2,767
Indicative Total Course Fee*
$11,068 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Total Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $3,000
Indicative Total Course Fee*
$12,000 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Total Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Complete the course in two, 20-credit point trimesters.
Complete the course in two, 20-credit point trimesters.
September 2025
February 2026
May 2026
February 2026
May 2026
Your technology career starts with SAE
Course Structure
The Graduate Certificate in Software Development is stage 1 of the 3 stages of the Master of Information Technology course.More info here
In this unit, you will get a practical introduction to foundational topics across a range of IT specialisations. Overall, the unit covers:
- a general understanding of the hardware and software used in computers and how they work together
- data storage in both relational and flat-file databases and how we can query or use this data for given applications
- an understanding of the devices used in computer networks, the process of how data is transmitted and received, and addressed on a network
- an introduction to cybersecurity and the various threat landscapes
- an introduction to cloud computing – what it is, different deployments, how it compares to local solutions and discussions as to the applicability of cloud computing services in current or future projects.
You will apply your learning of these areas in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of the key elements, attributes and applicability of IT Essentials.
Learning outcomes:
- Recognise the main hardware and software functions within a computer and their interrelationships.
- Devise conceptual data storage solutions for a range of complex problems.
- Manipulate data to frame, provide evidence for, or solve practical problems.
- Critically evaluate the advantages and challenges of different distributed network structures in order to make informed choices to serve a project.
- Review the modern cybersecurity threats and be able to advise ways to stop or limit the chances or severity of such attacks.
In this unit, you will engage in a problem and project-based learning environment to analyse and implement software development solutions for given scenarios or requirements. This unit will set out the key, foundational programming concepts. The later topics in the unit guide you toward a more autonomous approach to learning with the expectation of self-directed research on libraries and/or APIs as a means to extend the functionalities of your programs. This unit is designed as the starting point for cultivating a creative mindset to help you foster ideas for future projects in the course (and beyond).
Learning outcomes:
- Create clear, logical, and concisely written code that is well-documented throughout.
- Evaluate given code to be able to apply debugging techniques to identify and correct issues.
- Model real-world problems using object-oriented abstractions.
- Design, develop, and test problems using the specified programming language to develop solutions to problems using a range of programming concepts and principles.
- Critically reflect upon the knowledge learnt in the provided tasks throughout the unit to justify their level of achievement against the specified goals with evidence.
In this unit, you will be introduced to and gain experience using a range of web development technologies to design and develop web applications, including frontend and backend tools and functionality. You will also build knowledge of industry standards and best practice and demonstrate how these can be implemented in different contexts. You will apply your learning of unit topics in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of the key elements, attributes and applicability of web development.
Learning outcomes:
- Design and develop user-friendly web pages following usability principles at different levels of fidelity including creating the final HTML and CSS documents.
- Analyse, evaluate and apply web development skills in a range of front and backend technologies. Integrate databases with front and backend technologies to create database-driven web applications.
- Synthesise non-functional with functional requirements of web development applications in order to create software that meets the qualitative expectations of end-users.
Prerequisites: IT Essentials - ITC401
For students of the Graduate Certificate of Software Development, this unit is the culmination of their studies. For Master of Information Technology students, this unit is the first of five applied research project units that form the spine of MIT. In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of project management for IT solutions focusing on the use of Agile methodologies. You will gain an overview of software development processes and be introduced to project management tools and techniques including project management software, running sprints, working with user stories, task estimation and understanding analytics.
In this unit, you will create project documentation and be introduced to key presentation skills. In addition, you will be introduced to skills and methods that enable you to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs. You will work on an allocated individual project to apply the skills learned in this unit and in the foundational units IT Essentials - ITC401, Programming Principles and Practices - ITC402, and Web Development - ITC403.
Learning outcomes:
- Create a software solution for a given problem using a contemporary range of technologies.
- Plan and implement an approach to project development using Agile methodologies and relevant technology tools for task management, documentation, and testing.
- Research and critically analyse project requirements and create an abstract model to solve identified problems.
- Develop professional project documentation that effectively communicates a software solution to project stakeholders.
- Critically reflect on the impact of the software solution in reference to sustainability goals.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Future-proof your career with SAE’s Graduate Certificate of Software Development — a hands-on, future-focused course designed to equip you with essential technical and professional skills in just two trimesters.
You’ll build foundational expertise across programming, web development, databases, networks, cloud computing, and cyber security, while developing the critical thinking, project planning and problem-solving skills that employers demand. Guided by real-world, project-based learning, you’ll apply your knowledge to practical scenarios from day one.
Through this course, you’ll learn to design intuitive web interfaces, write and debug code using core programming principles, and implement modern data and storage solutions. You’ll gain confidence working across both front and back-end technologies, and be introduced to Agile workflows, project documentation and software deployment processes.
By the end of the course, you’ll have delivered a complete software project and be ready to take the next step — into postgraduate study, a tech-focused career, or your own development ventures.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE HELP MY CAREER?
This qualification will help your career forward and enhance your employment prospects. You will create fresh career options, deepen your industry knowledge, and develop your influence and authority within the IT industry and beyond.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT SAE
Rachel Toomeh
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Product Manager, Not Doppler Studio
Maree Railton
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Animator (2D builder / Rigger)
Leah McKweon
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Sound EditorWHY STUDY A POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION AT SAE?
Completing the first four units of the Master of Information Technology, the Graduate Certificate provides a strong pathway to the Master's course.
This unique course offers a face to face learning experience and offering collaboration with like minded peers across the SAE network.
Expand your professional network with the opportunity to attend a range of extracurricular seminars and bespoke workshops
Take your career to the next level with SAE
All SAE HE and VET courses are government accredited. This means that the qualifications you receive upon graduation are recognised all around Australia and internationally.
The amount you repay each year is a percentage of your income. The percentage increases as your income increases, so the more you earn, the higher your repayment will be. The ATO will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include it on your income tax notice of assessment.
SAE delivers some courses via our online learning portal. You can choose to enrol in either part-time or full-time study loads based on your own personal circumstances. Online enrolment is only available to Australian citizens, and permanent residents living in Australia.
Students who are well organised find casual or part-time work most manageable.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
