Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology offers the opportunity to focus your studies in Networking or Web Development. Grow your IT expertise while developing analytical thinking, independent judgement, and creative problem-solving skills — all essential for today’s tech landscape.

 

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Key Details
Invercargill
Qualification:
Graduate Diploma
Level:
7
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time

Study Modes:
On Campus
Dates:
To be advised – Please Enquire
Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • NO tuition fees
  • Direct material costs of $502.00 (GST inclusive).

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology programme covers the analysis of information systems including feasibility for installation, develoment of information systems and configuring and troubleshooting information networks. Management of internet sites and associated software is also included in the programme.

All papers are compulsory and 15 credits each except for Capstone Project which is a 30 credits year-long paper.

BIT602- Systems Analysis and Design

This course introduces learners to structured and object-oriented systems analysis and design techniques used throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Learners will apply analysis and modelling tools to gather requirements, design user-centric systems, and produce formal documentation suitable for real-world IT projects.

BIT609 - Networking

This course introduces learners to the planning, configuration, and implementation of core routing and switching technologies using Cisco platforms. Learners will also be exposed to Fortinet security appliances to reinforce routing, segmentation, and basic firewall policy principles from a network security perspective.

BIT701- Capstone Project

This capstone course enables learners to integrate and apply technical, analytical, and professional communication skills gained throughout the degree through the development and delivery of a real-world IT solution. Learners will work with a mentor and/or external sponsor to identify, plan, execute, and critically evaluate a project that meets specified requirements.  

BIT610 - Cybersecurity Fundamentals

This course introduces learners to core cybersecurity concepts and technologies, aligning with the foundational knowledge expected in the Microsoft SC-900 (Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals) and CompTIA Security+ certifications. Learners will explore the principles of threat analysis, secure configuration, identity management, compliance, and incident response while gaining practical experience using industry-relevant tools and frameworks.

BIT705- Advanced Networking

This course prepares learners for advanced networking roles within enterprise environments by developing theoretical and practical skills in routing, switching, wireless networking, WAN connectivity, and network security. Learners will gain hands-on experience with professional tools and techniques aligned to Cisco, a globally recognised industry certification pathway.  

BIT707- DevOps and Automation

This course enables learners to implement DevOps principles and practices to deliver secure, scalable, and automated IT solutions. Learners will develop capability in infrastructure automation, continuous integration and delivery, collaborative software delivery, and system observability across cloud and hybrid environments.  

BIT711- Business IT and Digital Innovation

This course equips learners with the knowledge and critical insight to evaluate and apply information systems strategically within Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse business environment. Learners will examine how information systems support innovation, digital transformation, sustainable growth, leadership, governance, and data-informed decision-making in local, bicultural, and global contexts. 

This Graduate Diploma programme provides the opportunity for information technology students to specialise in the discipline of networking.  As well as promoting and enhancing their knowledge base skills, and professionalism, it aims to stimulate students to develop an inquiring and analytical approach to problems and issues, and to encourage independent judgement and creative thinking. Graduates may work in areas such as information systems analysis and development, and in information networks configuration and troubleshooting, or in web development and web management.

Application by Academic Qualification
Entry is open to degree graduates who have graduated successfully from a relevant bachelor’s degree programme or can demonstrate equivalent, relevant, practical professional or educational experience in a related discipline.

English Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or

Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment


IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 
TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE) 
TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18) 
Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill. 
OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
NZCEL - Level 4 (Academic) 
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42 
Language Cert - C1 Expert International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS 
Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band

In order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the programme schedule. The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 120 credits for successful completion of the qualification.

A student completing the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology will normally be expected to complete the one-year programme (full-time equivalent) within 3 years. Not withstanding the requirements set out above, the Head of Faculty with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.

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