An Australian university is banking on Blockchain, the technology behind the lucrative yet volatile cryptocurrency industry, by launching a nation-first course in the emerging sector.

Australia's first short course on Blockchain strategy, aiming to educate the nation's next wave of tech start-up entrepreneurs, will take flight on Tuesday at Melbourne's RMIT University.

"Blockchain is now becoming a core part of contemporary digital literacy," Vice Chancellor Martin Bean said.

The online eight-week program is set to begin in mid-March with students given the chance to hear from global experts in the growing space.