Find Your Fit  ·  Otago Polytechnic

Bachelor of Information Technology

Level
NZQA Level 7
Duration
3 years full-time
Intakes
February, April, June, November
IT 1

About this programme

Information Technology is about problem-solving, troubleshooting, critical thinking, creating, designing, and building — sometimes alone, but often as part of a team. This three-year applied degree teaches IT through hands-on, practical work, equipping you with the industry-relevant skills and knowledge to be employment-ready the day you graduate.

Delivered at AIC by FutureSkills Academy under sub-contract with Otago Polytechnic, the programme runs across four intakes per year (February, April, July, October) and builds toward a Year 3 industry capstone with a real client.

What you'll learn

Year 1 builds your foundation in programming, web, networks and devices. From Year 2, you choose a specialisation pathway:

  • Software Development — application development, mobile apps, advanced algorithms
  • IT Infrastructure & Operations — operating systems, virtualisation, security, automation
  • Network Engineering — switching, routing, enterprise networking, wireless
  • Alternative Digital Platforms — embedded systems, IoT, robotics, cloud integration

Cross-cutting electives include UX engineering, AI & data science, game development, databases, business analysis and intelligence.

Career outcomes

Graduates work as web developers, systems administrators, software developers, programmers, business analysts, database administrators, and computing services managers. Auckland's tech sector is the fastest-growing employer in New Zealand — most students have at least one offer in hand before they finish their final-year capstone.

More about this programme

  • Why study IT here?

    Practical skills. Learn what IT professionals actually do through hands-on, project-based work. First-year content lays the foundations — you'll keep returning to those topics in greater depth as you progress.

    Have fun. Study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment. With small class sizes, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention from experienced lecturers.

    Get work-ready. Graduates pursue roles as Web Developer, Systems Administrator, Software Developer, Programmer, Business Analyst, Database Administrator and Computing Services Manager — all reflecting an employer-aligned curriculum.

  • You will study

    The Bachelor comprises 360 credits over three years.

    Year 1 (Level 5) — eight compulsory courses plus studio modules and unspecified credits:

    • Programming 1 & 2 (event-driven GUI; Object-Oriented analysis, design, programming)
    • Fundamentals of Web Development
    • Introduction to Networks
    • Devices and Platforms
    • Maths for IT
    • Studio 1 & 2 (professionalism, user-centric project planning)

    Year 2 (Level 6) — two compulsory studio courses plus six electives:

    • Databases 2, Operating Systems Concepts, Switching/Routing/Wireless Essentials
    • Embedded Systems, Automation and Robotics
    • Application Development (introductory + intermediate), Operations Engineering 1

    Year 3 (Level 7) — two compulsory studio courses, five electives plus one additional 15-credit course. Includes Advanced Algorithms, Operations Engineering 2, Mobile App Development, Advanced Networking, UX Engineering, Security, AI and Data Science, Quality Assurance, Game Development, Internet of Things and Cloud Computing, Business Analysis and Intelligence.

  • Your workload

    You'll spend about 300 hours per study block on coursework. This includes scheduled class time, self-directed study, and where applicable workplace experience to help you build industry connections.

  • Further study options

    This is a widely recognised qualification that lets you apply for postgraduate IT study. Graduates may also pursue graduate teacher training programmes if a career in secondary IT education appeals.

  • Entry requirements

    Academic prerequisites:

    • NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits at Level 3+ in each of three NZQA university entrance subjects
    • 10 Literacy credits (Level 2+): 5 reading, 5 writing
    • 10 Numeracy credits (Level 1+) via approved achievement standards or three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 — all required)

    Alternative pathways:

    • NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) or equivalent
    • Discretionary entry for applicants 20+ without the above (interview required)

    If your first language is not English you'll need NZ University Entrance, IELTS Academic 6.0 (no band below 5.5, single test within two years), or an acceptable alternative per the NZQA table.

  • Selection process

    All eligible applicants are accepted unless the number of applications exceeds available places. When capacity limits apply, an interview is arranged and candidates are ranked by the admissions panel's professional judgement of likely success in the IT industry.

  • Fees & additional costs

    International tuition: approximately NZ$26,572 per year (subject to change).

    There are no additional course-related costs.

  • Equipment requirements

    You'll need to bring your own computer. Windows-based PCs are recommended for the widest software compatibility; some applications may have compatibility issues on macOS.

    Minimum specs:

    • CPU: Intel Core i5 or higher
    • RAM: 8 GB minimum
    • Storage: 256 GB minimum

    New students set up their OP account and network access during orientation, before classes start.

  • How to apply

    Applications are open until each intake start date. Submit your application online and our admissions team will be in touch within five working days to walk you through next steps, document checks and English language verification (if applicable).

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