Question 1

Why study information systems?

Accepted Answer

There’s never been a better time to study information systems. Every industry we interact with on a day-to-day basis—be that retail, health, community, or sales—depends on information systems to ensure that its technology does what it's supposed to do.

By studying information systems, you’ll graduate with a broad range of opportunities at your fingertips. You may end up working in information technology—putting the technical side of your studies to use by designing technological solutions. Or you could end up following a more business-minded path, by becoming a business analyst who helps organisations reach their goals with the aid of technology.

Question 2

What is the difference between geographical information systems, business information systems and accounting information systems?

Accepted Answer

With a degree in information systems, you may end up working with geographical information systems, business information systems or accounting information systems. Here’s the difference:

Geographical information systems (GIS)
A GIS, as it’s known in the industry, is a computer system used for storing, checking and relaying data in relation to its position on the Earth’s surface. This might include streets, buildings, vegetation and more.

Business information systems:
These systems allow organisations to manage their work effectively. This is usually via computer systems and technology including hardware, software and data storage.

Accounting information systems:
This type of information system collects and stores financial data, keeping it ready for financial decision-makers. The people who use accounting information systems include accountants, auditors and chief financial officers.

Question 3

How hard is an information systems degree?

Accepted Answer

The difficulty of your studies depends on a range of factors. But here at Open Universities Australia, we are firm believers that with time, effort and motivation, you can achieve anything you set out to.

Typically, information systems degrees may come more naturally to those who are technically-minded—that is, those with a strong ability to understand how computers work and who aren’t scared of giving new tech a go.

Question 4

Why should I study an information systems course online?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of studying online are undeniable, no matter what you study. However, information systems is particularly suited.

Your online classrooms will emulate the kinds of working environments you may end up employed in, teaching you how to build relationships online, a skill you’ll use down the track in information systems career paths.

Question 5

How do you get a job in information systems?

Accepted Answer

Unlike fields such as medicine or teaching, there are a range of ways to get into information systems as a career. No single course is the correct pathway.

If you’re new to university study, you may want to begin with a short course or bachelor degree in a related field within information technology. If you’re coming to study with some years of experience in the field, you may be able to use your experience to enter a masters degree.

Once you have a related degree under your belt, you can apply for jobs with confidence.

Question 6

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Question 7

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 8

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Information systems courses

Introduction to Information systems