Course details

Summary

Gain the essential foundation skills for a career in IT.

The programme covers a broad range of computing topics at an introductory level. These include hardware, operating systems, networking and security, user experience, website design and development, information systems, and software design and development. You'll also gain knowledge of professional, ethical and legal principles and practices, and you'll develop your communication skills.

The online offering is available through TANZ eCampus.

Programme structure

To complete this Certificate you are required to complete a minimum total of 60 credits. To be a full time student you need to maintain a workload of 120 credits per year. We recommend you talk with us to ensure you choose electives to benefit your future career.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Intended as a stepping stone towards a career in IT, this qualification will position you well for further higher level IT study. It will enhance your CV and provide you with transferable skills and knowledge that you can apply in a range of entry level support roles, however it isn't likely to be sufficient preparation for most IT-specific jobs.

STUDY PATHWAYS

After gaining this qualification you can move on to the Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5) or the Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5). Alternatively, if you achieve high grades across all courses in the certificate you may be able to progress directly to the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology.

Entry criteria

Academic requirements

40 NCEA level 1 credits including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits or New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) Level 3

Alternative requirements

Skills for tertiary study (including literacy and numeracy) may be acquired through study, work and/or life experience. Students who can demonstrate these skills may be approved for alternative entry. Literacy and numeracy assessments are available.

English requirements:

IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.5; TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14); TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE); University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - FCE or FCE for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill; NZ Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 4 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace, or Academic; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PToE (Academic) score of 42; City and Guilds IESOL: B2 Communicator with a score of 42.