Course details

Summary

Take your computing career further, at a time and pace that suits you. Select the topics that interest you the most - from software and game design/development to business intelligence and business analysis to cyber security and networks.

Programme overview

If you are already working with computers but don't have a formal qualification, or you have a degree in a different discipline and want to move into the IT sector, our specially tailored course structure can help you accomplish your goals. The Graduate Diploma in Computing aims to equip you with substantial problem-solving skills in an IT area of your interest.

Highlights

• This programme can serve as a bridge into the Unitec postgraduate computing programmes
• Flexibility in content: you choose what courses interest you the most including programming, software, hardware, databases, networking, information systems and the internet. You can also develop testing and quality assurance skills, along with the project planning skills to lead a small in-house IT project
• Practise your skills on leading computer technology
• Highly qualified professionals as your lecturers
• Small classes that ensure plenty of one-on-one time
• Individualised support: new students are enrolled by the Programme Leader for an approved programme of study developed to each individual.

Specialist pathways

The Graduate Diploma in Computing is highly flexible. Depending on the career pathway you’re interested in, you can choose to specialise in different areas.

Networks & Data Communication

Ideal for graduates from technical backgrounds this pathway prepares you to work in networking and communication fields. Many of the courses are practical and hands-on, giving you the skills you need for the industry.

Cyber Security

This pathway prepares graduates from technical backgrounds to work in the cyber security field - a particularly challenging and interesting area for study and work. Many of the courses are hands-on and include malware analysis and other hot topics.

Business Analysis

This pathway helps graduates from all IT backgrounds to prepare for management roles. It also enables arts and business graduates to learn additional IT skills, to make you more attractive to future employers or to enable you to run your own business.

Software Development

This pathway prepares graduates from a variety of disciplines (usually technical) to work in the fast-moving software development space. If you don't have a technical background you may need to complete more study to prepare for this pathway.

Game Development

This pathway prepares graduates from a variety of disciplines (usually technical) to work in the games industry as software developers with a specialty in game design. These skills are much needed here in New Zealand. If you don't have a technical background, a longer study plan can be negotiated.

Business Intelligence

This pathway prepares graduates from all IT backgrounds for the business intelligence field. It will enhance your ability to use information systems to improve business decision making, a highly valuable and sought after skill.

CAREER OPTIONS

• Applications programmer
• Business analyst
• Project manager
• Software developer
• Internet and Web developer
• Data analyst
• Database analyst and developer
• Cyber-security analyst
• Network support technician
• Network engineer
• Network administrator
• Systems analyst
• Game programmer
• Software tester
• Software designer

Entry criteria

For this programme, you will need the following:

1. A recognised degree, a professional qualification in a relevant discipline or the ability to demonstrate competencies equivalent to the above

2. A minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing)

English Language Requirements

• NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance
• NZCEL (Academic) (Level 5)
• IELTS score of 6.5 with a min band score of 6 (reading and writing) and 5.5 (speaking and listening)
• TOEFL (pBT) Paper-based test score of 550 (essay 5 TWE)
• TOEFL (iBT) Internet-based test score of 60 (writing 18)
• FCE or FCE for schools, or CAE, or CPE with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. OET at Grade C in all sub-tests
• Pearson Test of English (PToE) Academic with a score of 58 with score of at least 50 (reading & writing) and 42 (speaking & listening)