Choose one of our IT Management courses
Why study information technology management?
Are you an IT specialist looking for the skills to implement robust IT solutions and manage effective business outcomes for clients? From smartphones, to online banking and the effective running of hospitals, our lives are driven and underpinned by information technology systems that keep our information, and identities safe.
Studying Information Technology Management gives you the skills confidently bridge the gap between IT and businesses. People with IT skills and business knowledge are in-demand. The Australian Computer Society Digital Pule report forecasted Australia will need an additional 100,000 tech workers, by 2023.
For IT professionals, there’s no shortage of opportunities to apply their skills in different industries, including private, Government or not-for-profit organisations in areas such as health, technology and communications.
Studying information technology management
Gain the skills you need to lead and manage key objectives across businesses and investing in a master level IT management degree. Further study will prepare you to step into senior management roles with confidence and a skillset that is built for the management of IT teams, and overall IT project success. In today’s increasingly digital world, having both technical skills and management skills can help you become a competitive job candidate.
Gain IT management expertise
Combine your IT skills with your ability to lead and manage projects to create a career in Information Technology Management.
Here are some of the subjects offered in our Master of Information Technology Management at Southern Cross University Online:
Upskilling as a leader in Information Technology
To become qualified as an IT professional in Australia, you will often need to study a Bachelor of IT, which is a degree that is 3-4 years of study, depending on your specialisation.
For professionals who are already qualified with an undergraduate IT degree, but who are looking for postgraduate study options, a Master of Information Technology Management is a great choice for those looking to cement their expertise. You could be a business owner looking to level-up, or an IT professional looking to move into management and need a postgrad degree to be a candidate to move into management.
What are the salary expectations of an IT graduate?
According to Job Outlook in 2019, ICT as an industry has jobs that have a very high and high skill level, with both stable and strong future growth.
An IT Manager can earn from $98,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications, according to Pay Scale. Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security professions have an average take home pay of $1693, according to Job Outlook. ICT Managers have a weekly (average) take home pay of $2105, per week.
Studying Online
If you are working full-time, the thought of finding the time to go to a university campus to do your study could stop you before you even start. Today, most universities offer a blend of on- and off-campus study options with a large number of degrees now being 100% online. This means you complete a series of readings, activities and assessments through an online learning portal and engage with academics and fellow students in online chat groups. If online connections are a problem, alternatives such as mailed resources and assessments may be possible. Blended learning, which has a mix of online and on-campus learning is a popular option and especially important where the qualification leads to vocational outcomes involving people, for example, vocations such as teaching or nursing.
See what it’s like to study online at Southern Cross University.
Career Pathways for IT students
Qualified law graduates work in not-for-profit, commercial or government. Some practicing law roles include:
IT Manager
IT managers are coordinate, plan, and lead computer-related activities for businesses and organisations. It is their responsibility to look after the IT needs of an organisation and is responsible for implementing computer systems for the company or organisation's information systems requirements and needs.
What do IT Managers do?
As an IT Manager, part of your job can be focusing on a company's in-house computer networks. You can do everything from choosing the hardware and software, updating internal servers, or looking at other electronic support systems. Often, the IT Manager has the goal of implementing systems that support and increase their workforce productivity.
As well as being responsible for the technical IT requirements, with experience in everything from troubleshooting issues with IT systems to helping set up new access for new employees, an IT Manager is also responsible for the liaising with the management and senior executive teams to ascertain their IT requirements. So as well as the technical know-how, an IT Manager needs to have the business savvy and communications too. An IT Manager will analyse information needs and specify technology a business or organisation should implement and use to meet those needs.
They are also responsible for the ICT strategies, policies and plans. They will provide direction on the selecting and installing of any IT resources and also help organise proper training needed to use the systems in place.
In addition to all of the above, they oversee security for systems too—an incredibly important consideration in today's increasingly connected workforce.
How much do IT Managers earn?
According to Job Outlook, IT managers earn on average, $2,766 per week take-home salary.
Where do they work?
If you can consider a small, medium or large workplace that uses computers and databases and IT resources, you'll also find an IT Manager. They are employed across an incredibly diverse range of businesses, organisations, and across sectors such as health, finance, business and retail.
What education do you need?
Most IT Managers have an undergraduate degree in ITC or a related field (such as software engineering.) Some, according to Job Outlook, also have training in the VET sector. Regardless of education, it's incredibly important for managers to have extensive skills and experience in ICT to be successful in the role of IT Manager.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architect assess computer systems, design and develop new technology solutions and integrate software and hardware to fit the environment in which they work.
What do Solution Architects do?
Solution Architects define solutions aligned to business needs. They are responsible for presenting these solutions to stakeholders who many have technical and/or business backgrounds.
They write test plans, which will ensure the acceptance criteria of features are enforced as well as work to develop a proof of concept for any solutions - to see their feasibility in the setting it would be implemented within.
They will also identify any risks and manage that risk. They might look after the documenting of user stories and any relevant technical requirements from these. A solutions architect will create details component specifications and then translate that into how it needs to be implemented in the design. In addition to these tasks and responsibilities, they will often work alongside project managers and lead the technical analysis, and any relevant implementing or deploying as part of this task.
And lastly, the assure and validate that the solutions align with what's needed, connecting the technical to the business with ease.
How much do Solution Architects earn?
According to Seek, Solutions Architects earn, on average, a salary of $160K.
Where do they work?
Solutions Architect are employed across an incredibly diverse range of organisations.
What education do you need?
Solutions Architect need a bachelor degree and sometimes a master's degree. In additions to this, Solutions Architects will have around 3 or more years of experience with network administration or information technology systems, according to Seek.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Business Intelligence Consultant
A business intelligence consultant helps businesses to collect, organise and use data.
What does a Business Intelligence Consultant do?
Business Intelligence Consultants evaluate existing systems and install new software to better assess the company's acquired data. They understand both business management and technology with advanced skills in both. The advantage for businesses who work with someone who has these skills is improved business efficiency, optimised operation costs and increases in profit.
A day to day of a business intelligence consultant can include:
- They will work to look after what the client needs, without compromising on what the technology needs to assure and deliver.
- Work out how business technology solutions can be scaled.
- Help to build out a robust group of business networks, including any required vendors, to help achieve business goals.
- Create a detailed plan of how the client can ensure business initiatives and goals are achieved.
How much does Business Intelligence Consultants earn?
According to PayScale, Business Intelligence Consultants earn, on average, a salary of between AU$64K and AU$131K based on experience. The average is around $94,000 per annum.
Where do they work?
Business Intelligence Consultants are employed across an incredibly diverse range of organisations.
What education do you need?
Business Intelligence Consultants need a bachelor degree and sometimes a master's degree. In additions to this, they will have around three or more years of experience at least. The undergraduate degree of this role is often in a field that includes computer or data, business, engineering or economics. This role will require you to have experience in analysing data before any postgraduate study is considered. Typical jobs before moving into an intelligence role can include data analyst or business analyst. For those with the technical IT side, this is where a degree like the Master of IT Management is ideal for bridging that gap between IT and the business skills.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Systems Analyst
System Analysts maintain and improve computer systems. They are responsible for looking after these systems for an organisation and its clients. This particular role in IT has grown in recent years, as more and more organisations more their ways of working online.
What does a Systems Analyst do?
A systems analyst is responsible for implementing computer system requirements. They will achieve this by defining and examining any issues with systems through a robust design and test process.
They will design any problems with an application, which includes an evaluation of any relevant procedures or processes.
A vital part of the role of a systems analyst is developing solutions! They are responsible for preparing and evaluating workflow and solutions that help improve these.
In addition to the above, they will also establish specs and work with programmers to coordinate implementation. Other daily tasks and responsibilities might include: testing to validate results, ensures optimal operations through training, writes documentation for reference material and works to KPIs as determined by their employer.
How much do System Analysts earn?
According to PayScale, Systems Analysts earn, on average, a salary of between AU$55K and AU$108K based on experience. The average is around $74,095 per annum.
Where do they work?
System Analysts are employed across an incredibly diverse range of organisations.
What education do you need?
Systems Analysts need a bachelor degree and sometimes a master's degree. In additions to this, they will have around three or more years of experience at least. The undergraduate degree of this role is often in a field that includes computers, data or Information Technology.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Chief Information Officer
A CIO is responsible for the technology workings of a company, and overall alignment of the computer and IT systems and how they help facilitate business goals with maximum impact. You will be in charge of technological resourcing, purchasing and upgrading. You also manage teams and provide direction.
What does a CIO do?
Chief Information Officers will often report into the Chief Executive. A CIO is responsible for leading the transformation and modernisation of ICT and be contributing to both the strategic direction and management of the organisation they work for.
Duties of a CIO include: leading and managing ICT operations, system-wide. If applicable, this can consist of the ICT services for relevant stakeholders, which can be for customers, consumers or both. It is essential that these ICT solutions and operations are secure and modern, as well as optimised for the user of the systems.
These ICT users could be anything from digital health services for consumers (for example, integration of healthcare records with hospital systems) to the requirements of a large, global business who needs tailored ICT solutions that are bespoke to location.
A CIO will oversee large budgets and support in the successful delivery of major ICT projects. No matter where a CIO works, the role demands exceptional communication skills.
How much do Chief Information Officers earn?
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Chief Information Officer is $200, 241 per year, with a reported salary range of $81,718 to $269,033 annually.
Where do they work?
CIO is employed in a diverse range of organisations and sectors, including public, private and Government.
What education do you need?
Chief Information Officers need a bachelor degree and sometimes a master's degree in IT and business.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Business Systems Manager
What does a Business Systems Manager do?
A Business Systems Manager develops, manages and maintains an organisation's IT Management systems and how they integrate, looking after both staffing and management. Daily responsibilities of a Business Systems Manager include strategising, planning, identifying risks and creating excellent strategies to mitigate the identified risks and successfully manage information.
Other daily responsibilities can be to evaluate, install, configure and deploy new apps, software, IT products or any enhancements to apps already in use. And last but not least, a Business Systems Manager will be a leader, helping staff that work for them, as well as providing support to executive level where needed.
Overall, this role is about directing, developing and implementing software solutions and the business and technical requirements needed to do process modelling and data mapping.
The specialised communication skills needed include the ability to take IT information, and be able to translate this to someone with less, little, or sometimes no IT experience at all. It is a unique skill set to take highly technical information and help someone without this background in IT, be able to understand it.
Business Systems Managers are required to know the industry-standard best practice for data quality and systems, be confident in API and databases, often SQL servers (a common database used in Australian business) or other relevant databases.
How much do they earn?
According to PayScale, the salary of Business Systems Managers are between $88,981AU and $109,700AU per annum.
Where do they work?
Business Systems Managers work in a diverse range of organisations and sectors, including public, private and Government.
What education do you need?
Business Systems Managers need a bachelor degree and sometimes a master's degree in IT and business.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
Security Administrator
A Security Administrator is responsible for IT-security, such as firewalls, antivirus and safety of IT and communications with security systems designed to protect company and clients.
A Security Administrator is responsible for systems defence against access that is not authorised. They perform vulnerability tests on systems and monitor traffic for suspicious activity.
They will look after the configuration and relevant support of tools used for security online, which can include everything from firewall, antivirus and IDS/IPS software.
A Security Administrator works to implement network security and analyses and establishes best practice system security for their clients and employers.
Other responsibilities will be training staff in relevant security awareness (such as how to report phishing) and consultation with senior leadership when needed on policy surrounding security for systems.
If and when threats are found, the administrator will defend against them and have the skills to do so.
How much do Security Administrators earn?
According to PayScale, the salary of Security Administrators is $72, 545 per annum.
Where do they work?
Business Systems Managers work in a diverse range of organisations and sectors, including public, private and Government.
What education do you need?
While the education requirements for each role varies in this field, entry-level positions in Security Administration will often require a degree in ICT or a related field.
For more details about the SCU 100% Online information technology courses that bridge the gap between existing IT skills and business administration and management skills, see below:
• Master of IT Management
• Graduate Diploma in IT Management
• Graduate Certificate in IT Management
What are the skills you’ll learn in an IT course?
Management skills
You will learn knowledge and skills that underpin how to effectively delegate, motivate, communicate, and understand the people you work with.
Creative problem-solving skills
Through your studies, you will develop creative problem-solving skills helping you to apply creative solutions to problems. It’s often about finding smarter solutions to problems you’re encountering by applying unconventional thinking to an issue, for example an IT Manager might decide to implement weekly meetings instead of daily meetings to improve productivity and maximise team morale, even if that’s not the company’s policy on meetings.
Adaptability
Having the ability to adapt to changing technologies and business requirements is a skill you will grow as you work through units designed to help you balance the technological skills you have as an IT expert, with the skills you need to be successful in a business setting.
Staying calm during stressful situations
Information Technology is an industry that requires constant upskilling. This article claims why reskilling and upskilling is the new hiring. It’s also one that has high stakes. There’s a person behind every online interaction, and important business information and assets your systems are protecting. As well as being able to stay calm during any data breaches or IT issues that may arise, studying IT helps you also learn the best way to approach the business side of IT management. You need everyone to be on the same page with a project, solution and next steps, and staying calm during stressful negotiations is a skill you can learn through formal training paired with on the job training.
About Postgraduate Study in Information Technology
An online Master of Information Technology Management provides you with the skills needed to lead and manage, preparing you to step into senior management positions with a more in-depth understanding of the issues that affect IT teams and processes.
IT professionals looking to study at a postgraduate level
For qualified IT professionals considering postgraduate study, a Master of Information Technology Management can help you learn the skills you need to combine your IT skills with advanced business acumen.
With IT career growth forecasted to continue to grow, having a Master’s level qualification can help you stand out during the hiring process. It can also help aspiring business leaders in the field of IT to learn the skills they need to move into a role (such as some of the roles profiled above) now and into the future.
What options does Southern Cross University offer?
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate IT courses, including a Bachelor of IT and a Master of Information Technology Management (delivered online).
Additional IT Management resources
Study a Master of IT Management with Southern Cross University
For more details about the Master of IT Management online course, complete the form at the top of the page to download your brochure. You’ll receive in-depth information on:
- Entry criteria
- Course duration
- Fees and financing options
- Courses and assessment types
- Industry-related work
- Student support
- Careers pathways