Course details

Summary

This unique, practical programme prepares you for the dynamic and changing IT environment. You will undertake modules that cover the ‘traditional’ core of IT (e.g. software engineering, database architecture and network engineering) and the fast-emerging fields that employer want graduates to understand, including cloud computing, analytics and security. Employers have said they want graduates with skills in business (specifically marketing, accounting, management, communications, project management, systems analysis and design, support and higher level mathematics) and these topics are also built into the degree.

Specialisations

In your first year and a half you will choose from the following four specialisations, providing you with the skills to develop your career in the area you are most interested in:

• Network Engineering for a career in network engineering, network administration, cyber and network security.

• Software Engineering for a career in software engineering, software development, analytics, business intelligence and software testing.

• Database Architecture for a career in database/data warehouse development, database administration, business intelligence, and mobile applications development.

• Multimedia and Web Development for a career in multimedia and web design/development, web applications development and cyber security.

You will study:

All students will study the following modules in their first and second years:

• Object orientated programming

• Database modelling and SQL

• Mathematics for Information Technology

• Web development

• The web environment

• Business essentials for IT professionals

• Project management

As well as modules specific to your chosen specialisation:

Network Engineering

• Systems administration

• Routing and switching essentials

• Advanced networking

• Scaling networks

• Network engineering project

• Network security

• Connecting networks

• Cyber security

Software Engineering

• Data structures and algorithms

• Mathematics for programming

• Big data and analytics

• Principals of software testing

• Network engineering project

• Software engineering project

• Mobile applications development

• Data-warehousing and business intelligence

Database Architecture

• Web programming

• Database systems

• Database front-end applications

• Cloud server databases

• Web applications development

• Database architecture project

• Mobile applications development

• Data warehousing and business intelligence

Multimedia and Web Development

• Web programming

• Visual effects and animation

• Data visualization

• Game development

• Web development project

• Cyber security

• Mobile applications development

• Human computer interaction

Career/further opportunities:

The Bachelor of Applied Information Technology prepares graduates for employment in the Information Technology environment. Employment opportunities include Network Engineers, Software Engineers, Multimedia and Web Developers, Database Architects, Business/Systems Analysts, IT Project Managers, IT Managers or Network/Cyber-Security professionals.

Graduates may also go onto higher levels of study at postgraduate level

Entry criteria

NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:

• 14 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and
• UE Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
• UE Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above) made up of specified achievement standards or a package of specified unit standards.

Or​

• 72 credits at NCEA Level 2 including:
• a minimum of 14 credits in each of four subjects; and
• UE Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
• UE Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above).

Or​

A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above and the equivalent of UE Literacy and UE Numeracy

Or​

• The New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5); or
• The New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5).

Or​

Equivalent.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS: 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5 or equivalent, and TOEFL IBT 60, TOEFL PBT score of 550 or Pearson score of 50.